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US Apache crew rescued after crash in Strait of Hormuz region
Two American soldiers were recovered by an unmanned surface vessel on Monday evening after their AH-64 Apache helicopter went down off Oman's coast, US Central Command confirmed.
First-ever drone-led rescue operation
Officials told CBS News the rescue marked the first time US forces had used an uncrewed sea drone in such a mission. The two crew members were lifted from the water at 23:33 GMT (19:33 EDT) and are now in stable condition, Centcom said in a Tuesday statement.
Rapid multi-service response
Search-and-rescue efforts were coordinated by US Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with additional support from Air Force and Navy units, including Task Force 59 of the US 5th Fleet. The operation concluded within two hours of the crash, according to Centcom.
Cause of crash under investigation
Military officials have not yet determined whether the helicopter suffered a mechanical failure or was brought down by hostile fire. Iranian involvement has not been ruled out, though no evidence has been made public. A formal inquiry is underway.
Sea drone details emerge
Sources told ABC News the unmanned vessel used in the rescue resembled a high-speed boat. Task Force 59, which led the operation, was established in 2024 to integrate unmanned systems with manned assets for enhanced maritime security across the Middle East.
White House reaction
Speaking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed the crew members were "fine" and said a full report on the incident would be released in the coming days.
"Rescue efforts were led by US Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from US Air Force and Navy units including US 5th Fleet's Task Force 59."
US Central Command statement
