US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft involved in a ‘mishap’ off the coast of Australia, search is underway for missing Marines

Queensland, Australia- A US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft was involved in a “mishap” off the Australian coast at 4:00 pm local time according to the III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. Additionally in their statement, 23 of the 26 Marines on board have been rescued. Australia’s defense minister confirmed no Australian Defense Force personnel were on the aircraft.

Australia’s defense minister said in a statement that no Australian Defence Force personnel were on board. The incident occurred off the coast of Shoalwater Bay, in the state of Queensland, the statement said.” – Reuters

The 31st MEU and the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group are still searching for the three missing Marines with small boats and aircraft. The identities of the three missing Marines are unknown at this time.

More to follow.

Image courtesy of US Maines. A MV-22 Osprey departs from Smith Field on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Aug. 4, 2014. (Lance Cpl. Wesley Timm/Marine Corps)