The Australian Defence Force has confirmed human remains have been found in the search for four servicemen who went missing after a “catastrophic” helicopter crash in a training exercise.
The military helicopter, known as a Taipan, had been engaged in a two-helicopter mission as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre when it crashed at about 10.30pm on Friday.
The second chopper immediately began a search and rescue operation.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Corporal Alexander Naggs, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Phillip Laycock are presumed dead after their training mission went terribly wrong on Friday night.
Parts of the aircraft – a MRH-90 chopper – have been recovered from the sea near Hamilton Island, but the four men on board are still yet to be found.
On Thursday, ADF Chief of joint operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton confirmed human remains had been uncovered during a search for the wreckage.
“I can now advise that yesterday afternoon, remotely operated underwater vehicles located a further debris field, including parts of the cockpit of the helicopter,” Lieutenant Bilton said.
“The debris field is consistent with a catastrophic high impact.
“Sadly, I can confirm unidentified human remains have also been observed.”
He said due to the nature of the debris field, positive identification of the remains is unlikely to occur until more of the wreckage is recovered, but the Army has been in contact with the families of the four missing men.
ADF units are being provided with psychological support, in what has been described as an extremely challenging time.
Lieutenant Bilton said the “black box” inside the aircraft is still missing.
“At this stage, we have not found it,” he said.
“All communications were normal before the aircraft impacted the water.
“The black box is critical in helping us understand what has actually taken place.”
“While we continue with the recovery as best we can, poor weather conditions have continued to impact our search efforts,” he said.
“Defence is unable to provide further details for the recovery operation or ongoing investigation at this time.”
He said teams are searching at a depth of 40m, but the conditions both in and above the water have been difficult.
The announcement comes after the families of the four missing men shared touching tributes about their loved ones.
The chopper was taking part in Exercise Talisman Sabre, which has been paused in the light of the accident.
According to the Australian Army, the MRH-90 Taipan aircraft is one of the “most advanced tactical troop transport helicopters of the 21st century.”
The ADF currently has 47 of the choppers – which can reach maximum speeds of 300km per hour – through the Advanced Helicopter Program for Australia.
The MRH-90 also reportedly has the “highest crash-worthy standards”.