NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
May 20, 2003
Release Number: 03-05-71
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. MARINES DIE IN HELICOPTER CRASH
Al Hillah, Iraq - A 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Ch-46 Sea-Knight helicopter crashed shortly after take-off yesterday afternoon in the Shat Al Hillah Canal. The helicopter and crew of four went down shortly before 4 p.m. (local time), while conducting a re-supply mission in support of civil military operations.
No survivors have been found.
Two Marines on the bank of the canal entered the water and one drowned attempting a rescue of the crewmembers. Local Iraqis and Marines assisted in recovering the Marines who attempted the rescue and they were subsequently evacuated.Remaining Marines in the area immediately secured the crash site and summoned assistance.
A recovery effort is underway and a dive teams are en-route to the site. The cause of the mishap is under investigation and the Marines' names are being held pending next-of-kin notification.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
