SYDNEY (Reuters) – An aircraft incident involving U.S. military personnel occurred mid-morning on Sunday during an exercise in Australia’s Northern Territory, Australia’s Defence Ministry said.
Sky News Australia reported a v-22 Osprey helicopter with about 20 U.S. Marines on board had crashed off the coast of Darwin and a search had begun.
“Initial reports suggest the incident involves United States defence personnel and that Australian Defence Force members were not involved,” the ministry said in an emailed statement.
It said the incident occurred on Melville Island north of Darwin during Exercise Predator’s Run 2023.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was previously scheduled to hold a press conference at 0520 GMT, his office said.
(Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru and Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard)
