Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles announced on Monday that they lost hope of finding survivors after a military helicopter plunged into the sea during war games over the weekend.
Marles stated that rescuers initially clung to slim hopes they would find the four crew members alive. However, they were dashed after the discovery of “significant wreckage” from the aircraft.
“There was a catastrophic impact, and that forms part of why we are now transferring this from an activity of search and rescue to one of recovery,” Marles told reporters.
The chopper had been taking part in the large-scale Talisman Sabre exercise, which brings together 30,000 military personnel from Australia, the US, and several other nations. It plunged into the water near the Whitsunday Islands while taking part in a nighttime operation.
“The loss of these four men is as significant and meaningful as the loss of anyone who has worn our nation’s uniform,” the defense minister said, adding he was “deeply sorry” for their families.
“Amidst the inadequacy of these words, I want them to know they stand in the warm embrace of the entire nation.”
He also underlined that Australia’s fleet of more than 40 Taipan helicopters — which were due to be retired at the end of 2024 — will be grounded until investigators have a better idea of what caused the crash.
“They won’t fly again until we understand what has happened and we have modified or acted accordingly,” he added.
