An American AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed early Tuesday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with its two crew members successfully rescued by an unmanned drone boat in a historic first for U.S. forces. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. local time while the helicopter was patrolling waters off the coast of Oman, U.S. Central Command confirmed, stating the cause is currently unknown and under investigation.
The crash and subsequent rescue operation unfolded against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. The incident followed closely on the heels of a direct exchange of fire between Iran and Israel, which had temporarily disrupted a fragile ceasefire. While both nations subsequently stepped back from further escalation, allowing oil prices to stabilize, the security landscape remains precarious.
Historic Maritime Rescue Operation
In a significant development for American military operations, a Task Force 59 unmanned surface vessel (USV) located and rescued the two pilots. Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, confirmed the historical nature of the maritime recovery. Both rescued crew members were reported to be receiving medical care.
The extraction was a joint effort in the Gulf of Oman, involving multiple assets that converged to complete the rescue within two hours of the crash. U.S. Navy and Air Force personnel collaborated with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and a specialized naval drone unit. Central Command reported via X that the crew members were in stable condition following the operation.
Washington Reacts to the Crash
President Donald Trump provided early confirmation of the crew’s safety, speaking to journalists Monday night. He aimed to alleviate immediate concerns about potential casualties in the vital waterway.
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