Aug 06 (NHK) - Australian media say a US military Osprey transport plane has crashed into the sea off Australia, leaving 3 US service members missing.
The US Marine Corps says the MV-22 Osprey from its Futenma Air Station in Okinawa hit the water off the east coast of Australia on Saturday afternoon.
The Marine Corps says that 23 of 26 personnel on board the aircraft have been rescued, and rescue operations are underway for the missing 3.
The incident reportedly occurred after the Osprey took off from the USS Bonhomme Richard amphibious assault ship for a regular training exercise.
Marine officials say that they are investigating the details and causes of the incident.
Australian media have quoted military officials as saying that the Osprey was attempting to land on a US Navy aircraft carrier when it crashed.
The media report some of the rescued are seriously injured.
Source: ANNnewsCH