Three Marines were killed in a Sunday MV-22B Osprey crash off the coast of Darwin, Australia, according to the service.
The tilt-rotor with 23 Maines aboard crashed around 11 a.m. local time on Melville Island while Marines were participating in Exercise Predators Run, according to a statement from Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.
“The incident took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. There were a total of 23 personnel on board. Three have been confirmed deceased while five others were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition,” reads the statement.
There were no Australians aboard the MV-22B.
Exercise Predators Run includes 2,500 personnel from the U.S., Australia, Philippines and Timor-Leste.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the three U.S. service personnel who lost their lives those who have been injured, the rest of the crew and indeed the entire United States armed forces,” reads a statement from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defense Minister Richard Marles.
An Australian Defense spokesperson told both outlets that the focus is on the incident response.
This is the second aircraft crash in a week for the Marines. Late Thursday, Maj. Andrew Mettler died after his F/A-18D Hornet crashed near Miramar, Calif., during a training flight.
The following is the Aug. 17, statement from Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.
MRF-D MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crash
DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Marine Rotational Force – Darwin can confirm a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crash on Melville Island, north of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, while
transporting troops during a routine training exercise. The incident took place at approximately 9:30am. There were a total of 23 personnel on board. Three have been confirmed deceased while five others were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition.
The Marines aboard the aircraft were flying in support of Exercise Predators Run. Recovery efforts are ongoing. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Further details will be provided as the situation develops.
