The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are conducting a search and rescue mission for a missing Marine who bailed out of a troubled MV-22 Osprey in the Northern Persian Gulf on Wednesday.
The tilt-rotor Osprey was in helicopter mode as it took off from the amphibious ship USS Makin Island at about 9:10 a.m. EDT when it lost power and descended toward the water. Two Marine crew members in the rear of the Osprey bailed out into the Gulf. One Marine was safely rescued from the water, but the search continues for the second Marine still missing.
The pilot of the Osprey was able to regain power and return safely to the USS Makin Island.
Aircraft from the carrier George H.W. Bush and the Makin Island along with smaller Navy boats continue the search for the missing Marine. Navy officials said it was not clear why the two Marines bailed out of the aircraft early. The Osprey was not involved in the current combat air and surveillance missions over Iraq or Syria, officials said.
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