The nephew of Australian comedian Jim Jefferies is one of four men feared after an Australian Army helicopter crashed in the waters off the Whitsunday Islands.
The helicopter was on a joint military exercise as part of Operation Talisman Saber when it crashed at about 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Search and rescue teams resumed efforts on Sunday to search for the missing MRH-90 Taipan, but fear the crew is unlikely to be alive.
Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Petty Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were named as the four involved in the crash by Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
All were members of the Army’s ‘highly capable’ 6th Aviation Richmond Unit, based at Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney.
Lieutenant Nugent is the son of senior NSW police officer Daniel Nugent.
The Inspector is the brother of one of Australia’s best-known comedians, Geoff James Nugent, who goes by the stage name Jim Jefferies.
It is clear that Jefferies is flying back to Australia from the US to be with family, 7News reported.
Comedian Jim Jefferies (left), his brother NSW police officer Daniel Nugent (center) and cousin Maxwell Nugent (right) are pictured together
Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent (pictured) is a member of the Army’s 6th Aviation Richmond Unit
It’s clear that Jefferies (pictured on US talk show Jimmy Fallon in 2022) is flying back to Australia from the US to be with family
NSW Premier Chris Minns praised the family and their dedicated service to Australia.
“I can only imagine what they are going through today. It’s just devastating,” he told Sky News.
Defense Secretary Richard Marles said there was a “very real sense of poignancy and fear” associated with the search and rescue efforts.
“Our thoughts are very much with the aircrew and of course their families,” Mr Marles told troops taking part in the Talisman Saber exercises in Townsville on Sunday.
“This accident makes very clear what this exercise entails, the dangers associated with it, the risks that are inevitably associated with it.
“The significance of all of this, especially given Friday night’s events, is made very plain and very clear. We owe you all a huge debt of gratitude.”
The helicopter was conducting a joint military exercise as part of Operation Talisman Saber when it crashed at about 10:30 p.m. Friday (pictured)
Debris consistent with a helicopter part was found near the crash site on Saturday, with reports that the fuselage was among the fragments pulled from the water
More than 800 military and emergency personnel are participating in the search and rescue mission, including specialist naval divers.
Debris consistent with a helicopter part was found near the crash site on Saturday, with reports that the fuselage was among the fragments pulled from the water.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash. The entire fleet of the MH-90 Taipan is grounded until further notice.
An exclusion zone remains in effect in the waters south of Hamilton Island and includes the waters off the southern tip of Long Island, east to Perseverance Island, south to Cole Island, and west to the mainland at Round Head.
Exclusion zones also extend up to 1,000 meters from any military vessel.
Anyone who finds any debris is requested not to touch or touch it and to call the police immediately.
Corporal Alexander Naggs (left) and troop commander Captain Daniel Lyon (right) were also identified as two of the men aboard the helicopter
Father-of-three and highly respected senior Special Operations aircrew Phil Laycock (pictured) was also on board
The MRH-90 Taipan aircraft is one of the “most advanced tactical troop transport helicopters of the 21st century” according to the Australian Army.
The ADF currently has 47 of the helicopters – which can reach maximum speeds of 300 km per hour – through the Advanced Helicopter Program for Australia.
The MRH-90 also reportedly meets the ‘highest crash resistance standards’.
It comes just a week after Talisman Saber began, with the Deputy Prime Minister kicking off the exercise at an opening ceremony in Canberra.
“It is a privilege to officially open Talisman Saber 2023 and welcome all participating countries,” said Marles on July 21.
US Marines and Australian soldiers have been conducting exercises together in the Whitsundays as part of Talisman Sabre.
It is the Australian Defense Force’s largest training exercise, involving more than 31,000 soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen from 13 countries.
Australian and US troops have been assisted by officers from Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, UK, France and Germany.
The MRH-90 is also said to meet the ‘highest crash-resistance standards’ (pictured, MRH-90 practicing winch operations with Aviation Support trainees at HMAS Adelaide)
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US vows to stand by Aussies after Talisman Saber crash disaster
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