By Gozde Bayar
An aircraft accident involving US military personnel occurred Sunday during an exercise in northern Australia, according to Australia's Defense Ministry.
A v-22 Osprey helicopter with 20 US Marines onboard crashed off the coast of Darwin, Sky News Australia reported.
“Initial reports suggest the incident involves United States defense personnel and that Australian Defense Force members were not involved,” the ministry said in an email.
It said the accident occurred on Melville Island, north of Darwin, during the Exercise Predator’s Run 2023.