A United States Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter executed an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea on Sunday, June 23, 2024. The incident occurred during what U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) officials described as routine flight operations. Out of the six crew members aboard the aircraft, five were successfully rescued shortly after the landing. Search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate the sixth missing crew member.

The helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71 (HSM-71), known as the "Raptors," was operating from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at the time of the event. The emergency landing took place approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Bahrain. Initial reports from NAVCENT indicated that there were no signs of hostile activity connected to the incident.

Following the water landing, immediate rescue efforts were launched by assets from the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. The five rescued crew members were brought aboard the USS Carl Vinson and were reported to be in stable condition, undergoing medical evaluation. The identity of the missing crew member has not been released by the Navy, pending notification of their next of kin.

The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-mission naval helicopter designed for a range of tasks including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and logistics. These aircraft are a critical component of U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, providing vital aerial support and reconnaissance capabilities across global maritime environments. Their deployment in the Arabian Sea supports regional stability and maritime security operations.

  • Aircraft Type: MH-60R Seahawk
  • Operating Unit: Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71 (HSM-71) "Raptors"
  • Parent Vessel: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
  • Date of Incident: Sunday, June 23, 2024
  • Location: Arabian Sea, approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Bahrain
  • Crew Onboard: 6
  • Crew Rescued: 5
  • Crew Missing: 1
  • Circumstance: Routine flight operations, non-hostile event

An investigation into the cause of the emergency landing has been initiated by naval authorities. While the specific factors leading to the incident remain under review, such investigations typically examine mechanical failures, environmental conditions, and operational procedures. The U.S. Navy emphasizes a thorough process to determine the root cause and implement any necessary safety adjustments to prevent future occurrences.

Search and rescue efforts for the missing crew member are ongoing, involving multiple surface and air assets from the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet area of responsibility, which includes the Arabian Sea. Naval officials have affirmed their commitment to continuing the search until all options are exhausted. Further updates regarding the incident and the ongoing search will be provided by the U.S. Navy as more information becomes available.