Eight found alive after U.S. Navy aircraft crashes into Philippine Sea

Breaking his silence on the issue, President Donald Trump is discounting allegations of sexual assault against Alabama Republican Senate nominee Roy Moore and said Tuesday that voters should not support Moore's "liberal" rival. (Nov. 21)AP, APEight people aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft that crashed into the Philippine Sea were rescued Wednesday, the U.S. military said. Three remain missing.


The Japan-based U.S. 7th Fleet said the plane was on its way to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier when it crashed into the Pacific Ocean southeast of the Japanese island of Okinawa at 2:45 p.m. Japan time.

The U.S. Navy tweeted that the eight rescued personnel were taken to the USS Ronald Reagan for evaluation and were in "good condition."

It said the search and rescue operation for the three others continued.

The military said the names of those who were aboard the C2-A Greyhound twin engine plane were being withheld until their families have been informed. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

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The 7th Fleet has had two fatal accidents in Asian waters this year, leaving 17 sailors dead and leading to the removal of eight Navy officers from their posts, including the 7th Fleet commander.

The USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker collided near Singapore in August, leaving 10 U.S. sailors dead. Seven sailors died in June when the USS Fitzgerald and a container ship collided off Japan.

The Navy concluded that the collisions were avoidable and resulted from widespread failures by the crews and commanders, who didn’t quickly recognize and respond to unfolding emergencies.

A Navy report recommended numerous changes to address the problems, including improved training to increasing sleep and stress management for sailors.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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