Trump briefed on helicopter ‘mishap’ that left 3 Marines missing

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — President Trump has been briefed by chief of staff John Kelly on reports of a crash involving a U.S. military helicopter off the coast of Australia, the White House said Saturday. 

 

Three U.S. Marines were missing after their MV-22 Osprey helicopter went down into the water. Twenty three other crew members were rescued.

 

The incident occurred while Trump was at his New Jersey golf club for what his aides are calling an extended “working vacation.”

 

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A White House official said the president planned to meet with Kelly on Saturday and will have meetings with other White House advisers and lawmakers over the next two weeks while in New Jersey.

 

The official did not say whether the president planned to play golf or attend other social functions over the weekend.

 

The helicopter incident came after Trump left Washington on Friday afternoon to start his 17-day vacation. 

 

The Osprey reportedly launched from the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault vessel, during a routine operations before it crashed into the sea. 

 

Seaborne vessels and aircraft took part in the search and rescue operation. 

 

Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been briefed on the situation and spoke about it with U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, according to NBC News. 

 

No Australian military personnel were involved in the crash.