RAN destroyer rescues helicopter crew following forced ditching off north-eastern Philippines

The crew of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Brisbane successfully rescued all three personnel who were on board one of the ship’s embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopters after it was forced to ditch off Luzon island in the north-eastern Philippines on the night (local time) of Wednesday, October 13.

The helicopter was conducting a routine overnight flight when the crew made an emergency landing in the water.

Brisbane deployed sea boats and rescued the flight crew approximately 20 minutes later. The crew received first aid for minor injuries upon their return to the ship.

Both Brisbane and the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga are continuing to search the area for any debris, which may aid in determining the cause of the incident.

Brisbane and Warramunga are currently conducting a regional presence deployment to operate and train alongside partner nations in both North-East and South-East Asia.