U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces in the North Arabian Gulf are searching for a missing aircrew member who fell off a MV-22 Osprey on Wednesday.
The Marine was one of two aircrew members who fell off the Osprey and landed in the water after the MV-22 lost power on takeoff from USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship.
Two members of the aircrew bailed out of the aircraft into the Arabian Gulf, Navy officials said. One crewmember was safely recovered and is now in stable condition aboard the Makin Island.
The pilot of the Osprey was able to regain control and safely land aboard the ship. The Navy and Marine Corps will investigate the cause of the incident, officials said.
Navy officials said the search efforts are ongoing as hope remains that crews will find the crewmember alive. Navy ships, aircraft and boats are all taking part in the search and rescue effort.
"Our focus is on rescuing this Marine," said Lt. Joe Hontz, a spokesman for the Navy’s 5th fleet.
Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are on board the Makin Island which is currently on a scheduled deployment to the Arabian Gulf where it is supporting operations in Iraq and Syria. The Makin Island amphibious ready group is on station to replace the USS Bataan, which has been supporting ongoing operations in the region.
Along with the 11th MEU, the Makin Island amphibious ready group also consists of an amphibious dock landing ship called the USS Comstock and an amphibious transport dock called the USS San Diego.
-- Kris Osborn can be reached at kris.osborn@monster.com
