Four Australian Defense Personnel Missing After Helicopter Crashes During Joint Wargames with US

What You Need to Know About the Tragic Accident and the Search Operation

A joint military exercise between Australia and the US turned into a nightmare when an Australian Army helicopter crashed into the sea off the coast of Queensland on Friday night. Four air crew members are still missing and feared dead, while the search and rescue operation continues. Here are some key facts and updates about the incident and the ongoing efforts to find the missing personnel.

What happened to the helicopter?

The helicopter was an MRH-90 Taipan, a multi-role utility helicopter used by the Australian Army and Navy. It was part of a two-helicopter mission that was conducting a night-time training exercise as part of the Talisman Sabre drills, a biennial joint military exercise between Australia and the US that also involves other allied forces.

According to Defense Minister Richard Marles, the helicopter “ditched in waters close to Hamilton Island” around 10:30 p.m. local time on Friday, July 28, 2023. The exact cause of the crash is still unknown, but Marles said it was not due to enemy fire or hostile action.

The other helicopter that was part of the mission witnessed the crash and immediately initiated a search and rescue operation. The aircraft “impacted waters” near the Lindeman Island, off the coast of Queensland.

Who are the missing personnel?

The four air crew members who were on board the helicopter are still missing and have not been identified by name or rank. Marles said they were “highly trained and professional” soldiers who were “doing their duty for our nation”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences and support to the families, friends, and comrades of the missing personnel in a joint statement with Marles. “All Australians hold them in our hearts and we hold onto hope as the search and rescue teams go about their work right now. We have the utmost confidence in their professionalism and skill,” they said.

How is the search operation going?

The search operation involves both Australian and US assets, including search and rescue aircraft, sea vessels, and divers. Marles said the search area is “relatively contained” and that the weather conditions are “favorable”. He also said that some debris from the helicopter has been recovered, but no sign of the missing personnel has been found yet.

The search operation is being coordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which is working closely with the Australian Defense Force (ADF) and other agencies. AMSA said it has deployed two Challenger jets, two helicopters, and two vessels to assist in the search.

Marles said the search will continue until there is no reasonable prospect of finding the missing personnel alive. He also said that a full investigation into the cause of the crash will be conducted by both Australian and US authorities.

What is Talisman Sabre and how will it continue?

Talisman Sabre is a large-scale military exercise that aims to enhance interoperability, readiness, and cooperation between Australia and the US, as well as other partner nations such as Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the UK. It involves more than 17,000 personnel from various branches of the military, including land, air, sea, cyber, and special forces.

The exercise started on July 14 and is scheduled to end on July 31. It covers multiple locations across Australia, as well as in Hawaii and California. Some of the scenarios include amphibious landings, urban operations, air combat, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.

Marles said that Talisman Sabre will continue despite the tragic accident, but some activities may be modified or postponed out of respect for the missing personnel. He also said that Talisman Sabre is an important exercise that demonstrates the strength of the alliance between Australia and the US, as well as their commitment to regional security and stability.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who are both in Australia for a meeting with their counterparts, also expressed their solidarity and sympathy with Australia over the incident. They praised the courage and professionalism of the Australian defense personnel and offered their assistance in the search operation.

FAQs

• Q: How many people were on board the helicopter that crashed?

• Q: What type of helicopter was it?

• Q: When did it crash?

• Q: Where did it crash?

• Q: Why did it crash?

• Q: What was the helicopter doing?

• Q: Who is searching for the missing personnel?

• Q: How long will the search continue?

• Q: What is Talisman Sabre?

Conclusion

The helicopter crash that occurred during the Talisman Sabre drills is a tragic and unfortunate incident that has left four Australian defense personnel missing and feared dead. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing, but the chances of finding them alive are slim. The incident has also cast a shadow over the Talisman Sabre exercise, which is meant to showcase the strong alliance and partnership between Australia and the US, as well as other allies. We hope that the missing personnel will be found soon and that their families and friends will receive the support and comfort they need in this difficult time.