MHR-90 Taipan Talisman Sabre Incident

Media Statement

My thoughts and prayers extend to the four soldiers, their families, and all Australian Defence personnel following the horrific helicopter crash off Hamilton Island on Friday 28 July.

As part of the Talisman Sabre exercise, the four men involved in a nighttime training activity went missing after the MRH-90 Taipan went down off the coast, initially impacting waters near Lindeman Island.

Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs are the four brave soldiers involved in this tragic accident.

Following a statement from the Australian Defence Force, the rescue mission has now been declared a recovery mission.

I would like to personally thank all the soldiers, sailors, and aviators who are working diligently to locate the four soldiers to get them home to their families.

Our brave Australian Defence Force members put their lives on the line every day to serve our nation, and in moments like these my heart goes out to not only them, but their loved ones back home.

This incident is still under investigation by the Australian Defence Force, and I am following their updates closely.