Five US Marines declared dead as search called off after mid-air collision with jet fighter
Two pilots of Hornet fighter jet found by rescue teams but one died
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The US military has declared five missing Marines dead after their plane collided with a fighter jet in the sea off Japan.
Their KC-130 Hercules refuelling aircraft collided with an F/A-18 Hornet during an air-to-air refuelling exercise last Thursday.
A search was immediately launched for the five crew on board the Hercules and the two Hornet fighter pilots in waters around 320km (200 miles) off the Japanese coast.
The two pilots in the Hornet were found by search and rescue teams, but one died. The survivor was in a stable condition when rescued, the US Marines said.
However, US and Japanese ships and aircraft were unable to locate the crew of the Hercules, and the search was called off on Tuesday.
“We know this difficult decision was made after all resources were exhausted in the vigorous search for our Marines,” Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell Maury, commander of the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron, said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are heavy and our prayers are with all family and friends of all five air crew.”
Both aircraft crews were based at Iwakuni air station near Hiroshima in Japan.
The US Marines said the identities of the five deceased crewmembers would be released after their next of kin had been notified.
It is the latest in a lengthening list of US military aviation accidents around the world in recent years.
The spate of incidents has prompted Congress to hold hearings to address concerns over the toll on personnel and equipment taken by continuous combat operations, deferred modernisation, lack of training, and ageing equipment.
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments