US Navy ends search for 3 missing sailors in plane crash near PH Sea

The search has ended for the three missing sailors who were not immediately recovered after a Navy aircraft crashed near the Philippine Sea, the United States Navy said on Friday.

The sailors, whose names were withheld pending completion of next of kin notifications, went missing after a C-2A Greyhound crashed on Wednesday into the ocean southeast of Okinawa, Japan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmates and their families,” said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, Commander, Task Force 7, in a statement.

“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,” the US Navy official also said.

Eight sailors were immediately recovered from the crash and transferred to Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier for medical evaluation. All are now in good condition as of posting time, the U.S. Navy said.       /kga