US Military Declares Five Missing Marines Dead after Japan Crash
TEHRAN(Basirat): The US military said Tuesday five Marines who had been missing since two planes crashed off Japan a week ago were dead.
The announcement brings the final toll in the December 6 crash to six, with a
seventh crew member rescued after the incident.
The crash involving an F/A-18 fighter jet with two crew onboard and a KC-130
refueling tanker with five crew occurred in the early morning around 100
kilometers (55 nautical miles) off the cape of Muroto in southwestern Japan.
It prompted a massive search and rescue operation, which the US military said
had now been called off.
"Every possible effort was made to recover our crew and I hope the families of
these selfless Americans will find comfort in the incredible efforts made by US,
Japanese, and Australian forces during the search,” said US Marine Corps
Lieutenant General Eric Smith, commanding general of the III Marine
Expeditionary Force.
Source: AlManar
