The U.S. military confirmed that three U.S. Marines were killed during military training in northern Australia on Sunday due to a helicopter crash. Australian police reported that 23 U.S. Marines were injured as a result of the helicopter crash in Darwin. The Darwin rotation maritime force stated in a press release that five others "were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in critical condition." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as "tragic," noting that the government is focused on providing support.
Sky News Australia reported that a V-22 Osprey helicopter carrying approximately 20 U.S. Marines crashed off the coast of Darwin. Albanese declined to provide details about rescue efforts or the incident during a pre-scheduled press conference, stating that it occurred on Melville Island north of Darwin during a training mission named "Predators Run 2023." He said, "The government's and the Department of Defence's focus is primarily on addressing the aftermath of the incident and ensuring all support and assistance is provided during this difficult time." He added that the incident was not related to Australian Defence Force personnel.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy stated that five Marines were transported to Darwin, and efforts were ongoing to transfer all injured individuals there. During a press conference in Darwin, he mentioned, "We are doing everything we can to bring them back safely to Darwin for treatment. Australian Defence Force and U.S. Marine Corps are participating in these efforts." Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles noted that one Marine is undergoing surgery at Royal Darwin Hospital and that four others are in the hospital. Fyles stated during a press conference, "Others are arriving as we speak, and some individuals have critical injuries."
The fire and emergency services stated in an email that Northern Territory Police received reports of a plane crash on Melville Island. An American official stated in an emailed statement that media reports about the incident reached the U.S. Department of Defense "but there is nothing we can provide at this time." Earlier, the Australian Department of Defence reported that a plane carrying U.S. military personnel had an incident this morning during a training mission in the Northern Territory of Australia. The department said in an emailed statement, "Preliminary reports indicate that the incident involves personnel from the U.S. Department of Defense and is not related to Australian Defence Force personnel."
The United States and Australia, one of its key allies in the Pacific region, have intensified military cooperation in recent years in response to China's increasing show of force. Four Australian soldiers were killed last month during large joint exercises when a helicopter carrying them crashed in the ocean off the coast of Queensland.
