Hope of finding crashed MRH-90 aircrew passes
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As Defence continues the recovery operation of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter that crashed near Lindeman Island, any hope of finding the remains of the aircrew seems to have been lost as families progress with funeral plans.
FILE PHOTO (7 August 2023): Defence Flight Safety Bureau safety investigator flight data recovery specialist Justin Galbraith (right) and an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigator prepare the recovered MRH-90 Taipan voice and flight data recorder for transport at Whitsunday Islands. Photo by Corporal Lisa Sherman.
A Defence spokesperson said Defence’s priority remained to support the families of its fallen soldiers and to locate and recover as much of the wreckage as possible.
“As the families of the aircrew hold funeral services for their loved ones, Defence requests the privacy of the families, friends and community is respected during these very personal and difficult times,” a Defence spokesperson said.
“Defence is supporting the families of the aircrew – Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs – and continues to keep them updated on the operation as new details become available.
“During the course of the recovery operation, HMAS Huon, Australian Defence Vessel Reliant and Royal Australian Navy clearance divers recovered items including personal effects and wreckage from the MRH-90 Taipan, in addition to the voice and flight data recorder.
“The recovery operation has been conducted in an exceptionally challenging environment and has reached the point of requiring specialist equipment not available within the Australian Defence Force.
“Defence will engage a commercial contractor to assist with the completion of the recovery operation, and expects the commercial operator will commence work at the site on or about 22 August 2023.
“The commercial operator will work closely with the Australian Defence Force in support of the Queensland Police Service and Defence Flight Safety Bureau investigations.”
Defence said it does not expect to release any further information on the progress of the commercial contractor’s recovery operations until the work is complete.
If you are distressed by this news…
- The Defence Member and Family Helpline is the first point of call for Defence members and families seeking support, information or connection with their community. They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 624 608.
- Open Arms veterans and families counselling provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former serving ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website for more information.
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Share the post "Hope of finding crashed MRH-90 aircrew passes"
Total respect for the Navy Clearance divers and crew of the HMAS Huon and ADV Reliant in their continued recovery efforts. A very challenging and dangerous undertaking. Godspeed.
I expected the crew would have been strapped into their seats and thus recovered with the main section of the aircraft. Perhaps the loadmasters could have been standing, but it seems strange that there is difficulty in locating their bodies.
Hopefully, they will be recovered so the families and colleagues can bid them farewell and find closure.
Maybe a memorial could be built on the shore closest to the site? Very sad. I hope the commercial drivers have better luck.
Shameful that the mater seems to have been dropped from the media after the initial reports and search.
Does this matter so little to our nation?
Don’t blame the media. Defence is being VERY tight-lipped on this issue.