In a devastating incident during military exercises in northern Australia, three US Marines lost their lives in a helicopter crash, as confirmed by the US military. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, referring to the incident as “tragic.”
Five other individuals who were on board the helicopter were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition, according to a press release from the Marine Rotation Force — Darwin. They were part of a group of 23 Marines conducting routine training exercises aboard an MV-22B Osprey helicopter. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The crash took place on the remote Tiwi Islands after 9 a.m. local time, as reported by Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy. Fortunately, Australian personnel were not involved in the incident, and it occurred during Exercise Predators Run 2023, according to Prime Minister Albanese.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the government’s focus on incident response and providing support and assistance during this difficult time. He made these remarks during a previously scheduled press conference in Western Australia.
Exercise Predators Run 2023 involved approximately 2,500 personnel from Australia, the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Timor, according to Sky News. This exercise underscores the growing military cooperation between the US and Australia in the Pacific region, as both nations respond to the increasing assertiveness of China.
This incident follows another tragic helicopter crash during large bilateral exercises last month when four Australian soldiers lost their lives after their helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Queensland. The accidents highlight the risks and challenges associated with military training exercises, even in carefully planned and controlled environments.