The United States Navy has stopped the search and rescue operation earlier authorized to find three sailors who had been declared missing after their plane crashed into the Philippine Sea on Wednesday. The US Navy made this known on Friday in a statement issued by Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, Commander, Task Force 70.
According to him;
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmates and their families. As difficult as this is, we are thankful for the rapid and effective response that led to the rescue of eight of our shipmates, and I appreciate the professionalism and dedication shown by all who participated in the search efforts."
According to CNN, the sailors were aboard C2-A Greyhound transport plane when it crashed into the ocean southeast of Okinawa.
"A total of 11 crew and passengers were headed to an aircraft carrier when the plane crashed into the Philippine Sea around 2:45 p.m. Japan Standard Time. Eight people were rescued and are in good condition aboard the carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan. The aircraft was carrying passengers and cargo from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan to the carrier when the plane crashed about 500 nautical miles southeast of Okinawa, Japan."
On rescue efforts, the US Navy said Seven US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, three helicopter squadrons and maritime patrol aircraft covered nearly 1,000 square nautical miles in the search.
