U.S Marines V-22 Osprey crashes near Darwin

In response to the crash of a U.S. military MV-22B Osprey during a training exercise over the Tiwi Islands, a search and rescue operation has been initiated.

Image: Peter Gronemann

The Northern Territory police incident map shows an aircraft, reportedly a Boeing MV-22B Osprey, crashed at 9.43 am on Melville Island, 60km north of Darwin.

The CareFlight rescue helicopter and police have flown to the site.

CareFlight has transported one person to Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition, and two more in a stable condition. However, they are continuing to respond to the crash.

Image: supplied

Initial reports suggest the incident involved United States defence personnel and Australian Defence Force members were not involved, a spokesperson from defence said in a statement.

“At this crucial initial stage, our primary concern is the incident response and the safety of all individuals involved”

Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities thus far.

Image: U.S. Navy

The incident occurred just days after the commencement of exercise 'Predators Run 2023' in the Top End, which includes participation from soldiers representing the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.

This multinational exercise, involving 2,500 soldiers, is being conducted in Darwin and on the Tiwi Islands.

Approximately 150 U.S. Marines are based in Darwin, actively engaging in military exercises alongside personnel from Australia and the Philippines.