SYDNEY: The aerial incident involving US military personnel occurred mid-morning Sunday during an exercise in Australia’s Northern Territory, Australia’s Department of Defence said.
Sky News Australia has reported that a V-22 Osprey helicopter with about 20 Marines on board has crashed off the coast of Darwin and a search has been launched.
“Initial reports indicate that the incident involved United States defence personnel and that members of the Australian Defence Force were not involved,” the department said in an emailed statement.
It said the incident occurred on Melville Island, north of Darwin, during the Predator’s Run 2023 exercise.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was due to hold a news conference earlier at 05:20 GMT, his office said.
