Search Ongoing After U.S. Navy Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing

Three members of a four-person MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter crew were rescued after making an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea. The incident took place early Wednesday, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command reported. Search efforts are underway for the remaining crew member.

The military confirmed there is no evidence suggesting hostile action led to the helicopter’s downing. The helicopter was part of the USS George H.W. Bush’s operation.

“Three of the helicopter’s four crew members have been recovered and are in stable condition aboard George H.W. Bush,” stated U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. “U.S. Navy assets are actively searching for the other aircrew member still missing.” The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. Eastern time, which corresponds to approximately 11 a.m. local time. A file photo of the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter is shown for reference.

The USS George H.W. Bush has maintained its Middle East presence since late April and remains one of two active aircraft carriers in the area. Although the U.S. ended its blockade of vessels in and out of the Strait of Hormuz, a significant military presence is maintained.

By mid-May, the U.S. had lost 42 aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotor, during Operation Epic Fury. This figure does not account for the U.S. Apache helicopter downed by an Iranian drone in early June. Its crew members were rescued, prompting “self-defense strikes” against Iran.

Eleanor Watson provided additional reporting for this article.