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Ten members of the Australian Defense Force survived an army helicopter crash in the water off the south coast of New South Wales during a routine counter-terrorism training exercise.
Soldiers were pulled from the water in a dramatic rescue after the Army’s MRH-90 Taipan multirole helicopter plunged into the water near Jervis Bay on Wednesday night.
Two crew members suffered minor injuries in the accident, which occurred after 9:00 p.m.
“All 10 Australian Defense Force personnel on board the aircraft have been recovered and accounted for and are being assessed by medical staff at HMAS Creswell, south of Nowra, New South Wales,” a Defense statement said. .
Army chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart thanked the emergency services for their swift action.
“Tonight, quick responses by ADF and emergency services personnel and well-trained teams prevented a potential tragedy,” Lt. Gen. Stuart said.
“We will carry out a thorough investigation of this incident to determine the cause and ensure that the platform remains safe to operate.”
Defense has temporarily halted training activity and will ground the fleet MRH-90 Taipan while the cause of the incident is investigated.
The incident site is being contained by Australian Federal Police and Port Services staff.
-AAP
