Three US marines have been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash off the coast of Australia, the Australian Northern Territory police said on Sunday, adding that a total of 23 people were on board the aircraft.
"The information at this time confirms there have been 23 people involved in the crash, with 5 injured marines conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in various conditions. Three people have been confirmed deceased," the police statement read.
No Australian personnel were involved in the deadly incident, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on Twitter.
The aircraft crash occurred at 01:30 GMT near Melville Island, media reported, adding that the incident may have killed people, as some personnel remain missing.
The Predators Run 2023 military drills, which involve military from the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste, will be suspended due to the crash, the report stated.
Approximately 2,500 people from Australia, the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste are participating in the exercise.