Add Category
Two defence force personnel have sustained minor injuries after an army helicopter ditched into the water during routine counterterrorism training near Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast.
- All 10 personnel on board the Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan multi-role were recovered from the water
- The Chief of Army says the quick response helped avoid a "potential tragedy"
- The training is on pause and the fleet is grounded while the cause is investigated
All 10 personnel on board the Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan multi-role helicopter were recovered from the water on Wednesday night and assessed at the HMAS Cresswell naval academy, the Department of Defence said.
The Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the incident had the potential to end in "tragedy".
"Quick responses from ADF personnel and emergency services and well drilled teams prevented a potential tragedy," Chief Stuart said.
"We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to determine the cause and ensure the platform remains safe to operate."
The incident site was being contained by the Australian Federal Police and port services personnel.
The training activity has been temporarily paused as a precaution and the MRH-90 Taipan fleet will be grounded while the cause of the incident is investigated, defence said in a statement.
"At this time defence’s priority is supporting the ADF members involved in the incident and their families," the department said.
An ACT police spokeswoman said they were assisting the defence-led response to the incident in a support role after receiving a call at 9:10pm.
NSW Ambulance also responded to the incident.