PH Navy on alert after crash of US Navy aircraft in Philippine Sea

The Philippine Sea map

The Philippine Navy has alerted its assets Wednesday following the crash of a US Navy aircraft in the Philippine Sea while en route to an aircraft carrier.

In a statement, Navy spokesperson Captain Lued Lincuna said they are on standby for possible search and rescue operations.

“The Philippine Navy was saddened by the US aircraft accident and right now alerted its ships and aircraft in extending our help in the conduct of possible search and rescue if needed,” he said.

The US Navy aircraft that crashed into the sea southeast of Okinawa, Japan had 11 crew members and passengers onboard. Their identities were withheld until their families are notified of the incident.

The USS Ronald Reagan has launched search-and-rescue operations. The cause of the crash is still unknown, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement.