US Marine remains in ICU as rescue crews work to recover bodies from military air crash

One of the survivors of a tragic military plane crash on a remote Northern Territory island remains in intensive care, while rescue crews work to recover the remains of the three US marines who died.

In an update on Monday, NT Health representative Marco Briceno said that one of the survivors was in the ICU at Royal Darwin Hospital, while seven others remained in the normal wards.

A US military Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft carrying 23 marines crashed on Melville Island, 80 kilometres north of Darwin on Sunday morning.

Of the 20 patients brought in to the hospital following the crash, 12 have returned to the barracks, Mr Briceno said.

“We wanted to see all those patients to ensure [they were] given medical clearance before they actually go back to their normal place of work or where they live,” he said.

“They were involved in a significant accident, and hidden injuries are possible and we wanted to see every single one of those patients.”

Investigations are under way into the cause of the crash, though the operation on the island has turned from a rescue mission to a recovery mission, NT Commissioner Michael Murphy said on Monday morning.

“(The deceased) are part of the recovery operation at the moment,” Mr Murphy told ABC radio.

The Department of Defence said the incident occurred during Exercise Predator’s Run 2023 and no Australian Defence Force members were involved.

Northern Territory police will remain at the scene of the crash for at least ten days as part an extensive investigation its cause.

“We understand the seriousness of this crash and are committed to providing a thorough investigation into the matter,” Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services acting assistant commissioner Matthew Hollamby said in a statement.

“We are in the recovery phase and working closely with the NT Fire and Rescue Service to assist us with a safe and respectful recovery operation of the three deceased US Marines,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden have offered their condolences to the families of the dead servicemen.

“This is a difficult time for the families and friends and, indeed, all of the US Defence personnel, particularly those who are present in the Northern Territory and around Australia,” Mr Albanese said.

“Once again, Australian emergency personnel, as well as our defence forces, as well as those people in the medical sector at the Royal Darwin Hospital, have shown the best of the Australian character in looking after our American friends,” he said.

Mr Biden tweeted on behalf of himself and the First Lady: “Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash. We are praying for those who also suffered injuries.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles told ABC radio local services were on the scene of the crash “almost immediately”.

“I think that’s played a really important part in making sure we’ve had as many people survive as possible from this crash,” he said on Monday.

“Twenty three people were on board and 20 people have survived the crash, which is remarkable.”

He said questions over the safety of the Osprey aircraft were a matter for the US Defence Force but Australia would rely on US certification and safety processes when operating with US forces when Ospreys were deployed.

The Marine Osprey aircraft has a tumultuous history, with a number of mechanical and operational issues since its introduction in the 1980s.

Since 2012, 19 people have died in six crashes involving the Osprey.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the government was doing everything it could.

“(The families) will be feeling this loss very acutely. So we pass out our thoughts and our prayers on to all of those who are affected by this tragedy,” he said on Monday morning.

ANU security expert John Blaxland told Sky News the crash would have long-term emotional and physical repercussions.

Those who are obviously maybe less seriously injured, but still pretty severely traumatised by the experience, they can slip incredibly quickly,” he said.

“The very violent movement that can have long-term repercussions as well.”

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also issued a statement on the dead and injured marines.

“These Marines served our country with courage and pride and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today and with the other troops who were injured in the crash and with the entire US military community family,” he said.

The US embassy on Monday issued a statement thanking members of the rescue operation.

“Australians and Americans have been the closest of friends for over 100 years and we’re thankful for their continued friendship and support at this time,” it said.

About 150 US Marines are stationed in Darwin and taking part in military drills alongside personnel from Australia, the Philippines, East Timor and Indonesia.

-with AAP