SYDNEY, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Three U.S. marines have been confirmed dead after the wreckage of their downed military aircraft was located off the coast of Australia on Tuesday.
The three victims were part of the Talisman Saber joint military exercises, conducted biannually between the Australian Defence Force and U.S. military.
During a scheduled exercise on Saturday, the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey which they were traveling on with 23 others crashed into Shoalwater Bay, off the coast of Queensland State.
It was reported that the aircraft collided with a transport ship while it was attempting to land.
The Osprey then slid off the deck of the vessel and fell into the ocean.
After three days of searching, the aircraft was discovered by Australia's HMAS Melville late Monday night and a Royal Australian Navy dive clearance team immediately began the recovery operation with assistance from U.S. forces.
The commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson told local media, he appreciated the efforts made by the Australian Defence Force.
"They volunteered their help before we could even ask, demonstrating their friendship and value as international partners," Nicholson said.
"The crew of the Melville and its assets have been invaluable in the recovery effort. On behalf of the Marines, sailors, and families of III MEF, I thank you for your support."
The 23 other men were rescued onboard the aircraft are now recovering from the incident.
