The U.S. Navy has concluded a search lasting more than 102 hours across 14,000 square miles of the Arabian Sea for a sailor who went missing after an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter made an emergency landing.
The helicopter, based on the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, made the emergency landing around 3:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 1, in waters under U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. Four of the five crew members were rescued from the water, while one sailor remains unaccounted for.
Military officials said there is no evidence that hostile action caused the emergency landing, though the incident remains under investigation. The sailor’s name is being withheld pending notification of relatives.
Search and Rescue Operation
The U.S. 5th Fleet released a statement confirming the search conclusion: “For more than 102 hours, an extensive and coordinated search and rescue effort spanning over 14,000 square miles was conducted.” Both the Navy and Air Force committed assets to the operation.
Three of the four recovered crew members were in stable condition aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, according to reports. Three sailors sustained injuries during the emergency landing itself.
Military Toll and Context
The missing sailor marks the 14th American service member confirmed killed in the ongoing conflict with Iran. U.S. forces continue operating across a volatile theater spanning from the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and into the broader Central Command region.
The MH-60S Sea Hawk performs multiple functions including combat support, logistics, search and rescue, and special operations. The cause of the emergency landing will be subject to a formal military investigation.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reports contributed to this report.