Army helicopter plunges into the ocean with 10 people on board during failed training exercise
- Navy helicopter with 10 men on board crashes
- Chopper crashed near Jarvis Bay, 150 km south of Sydney
- Two of the crew suffered minor injuries in the crash
Ten Australian Defense Force personnel have survived an army helicopter crash into the water off the south coast of NSW during routine anti-terrorism training.
The soldiers were plucked from the water in a dramatic rescue after the army’s multipurpose helicopter MRH-90 Taipan crashed into the water near Jervis Bay on Wednesday night.
Two of the crew suffered minor injuries in the crash that occurred just after 9 p.m.
“All 10 Australian Defense Force personnel on board the aircraft have been recovered and accounted for and are being assessed by medical personnel from HMAS Creswell, south of Nowra, NSW,” a statement from the Defense Ministry said.
Ten Australian Defense Force personnel survived an army helicopter crash into the water off the south coast of NSW during a routine training exercise (pictured)
The soldiers were plucked from the water in a dramatic rescue after the army’s multipurpose helicopter MRH-90 Taipan was dumped in the water (pictured)
Two of the crew suffered minor injuries in the crash that occurred just after 9 p.m
Army chief, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC, thanked the emergency services for their prompt action.
“Tonight, rapid responses from ADF personnel and emergency services and well-rehearsed teams averted a potential tragedy,” Lt. Gen. Stuart said.
“We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to determine the cause and ensure the platform continues to operate safely.”
Defense has temporarily suspended training activity and will ground the MRH-90 Taipan fleet while the cause of the incident is investigated.
The scene of the incident is being monitored by Australian Federal Police and Port Services personnel.