Crew still missing after Australian army helicopter crashes during Exercise Talisman Sabre
A huge multinational military exercise in northern Australia has resumed after an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter ditched in waters near Hamilton Island.
Exercise Talisman Sabre is an exercise to test interoperability between Australian and United States aviators.
Search and rescue efforts are now under way, as the four helicopter crew members on board are missing.
More than 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations are participating in Talisman Sabre 2023, which is being conducted across northern Australia from 22 July to 4 August.
Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister said: "On this day, at this moment, all of our thoughts, and all of our prayers are for Captain Lyon, Lieutenant Nugent, Warrant Officer Laycock and Corporal Naggs, the four aircrew of the MRH-90, part of the 6th Aviation Regiment, based at Holsworthy, the Australian Army helicopter which went down in waters off Hamilton Island on Friday night."
He went on to say: "As has been said in the course of yesterday and today, there is now a major international effort engaged in the search and rescue of the crew, which is involving hundreds of Defence Force personnel."
He also confirmed that wreckage from the helicopter has been found, but the main body of the airframe is yet to be located.
Australian Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton confirmed that all MRH-90 helicopters have been grounded until the military has investigated how the incident happened.
UK Commando Force Operations posted to social media: "Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sympathy to all those touched by this tragic accident on Ex #TalismanSabre in Australia. No UK personnel were on board at the time."
Join Our Newsletter
