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Key Points
- Four people are missing after an ADF helicopter crashed into waters off Queensland during joint military exercises.
- The MRH-90 Taipan helicopter went down at about 10.30pm on Friday, Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed.
- A search is underway to find the crew, and their families have been notified.
“I wanted people to contact their families to let them know they were safe and what was happening,” he said.
What was the helicopter doing when it crashed?
Mr Marles said the missing helicopter was taking part in a mission that involved a second chopper, which immediately started a search and rescue operation.
“As we desperately hope for better news during the course of this day we are reminded about the gravity of the act which comes with wearing our nation’s uniform.”
Defence chiefs offer support
A CQ Rescue crew spotted debris near Dent Island early on Saturday morning.
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“The reason why we train to such high standards is so that we can be successful, we can protect lives when we are called to answer any kind of crisis.”
Incident is second Taipan crash this year
It is the second time an Australian MRH-90 has been involved in an emergency this year, after a Taipan ditched into waters off the NSW south coast in March.
The Taipan helicopter has earned a reputation as unreliable in recent years, with malfunctions and technical issues forcing several groundings of Australia’s fleet. Credit: LSIS James McDougall / PR IMAGE
The chopper was taking part in a night-time counter-terrorism training exercise when it ran into trouble and ten people had to be rescued.
-With Reuters
