Two Missing After U.S. Navy Helicopter Crashes In Oman

Two missing after U.S. Navy helicopter crashes in Oman < br />

2012-07-21 05:08:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

MUSCAT, OMAN (BNO NEWS) -- A U.S. Navy helicopter carrying five crew members crashed during routine operations in northern Oman on Thursday, injuring three crew members and leaving two others missing, military officials said on Friday. The cause was not immediately known.

The MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter crashed 58 miles (93 kilometers) southwest of Muscat, the capital of Oman, while conducting heavy lift support operations. The aircraft was assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15 based at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said the aircraft was carrying five crew members, of whom three were recovered and being treated at a local hospital for unspecified injuries. The two other crew members remained missing on late Friday. Another MH-53E helicopter is assisting in the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

Officials said the cause of the accident is under investigation, but ruled out hostile activity.

The Sultanate of Oman, with a population of more than 2.7 million people, is located in southwest Asia on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

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