A desperate search is underway to find a Marine who fell from a MV-22B Osprey aircraft during a training flight Monday evening in eastern North Carolina.
The Marine, whose name has not yet been released, is assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to Stars and Stripes.
A Marine spokesman told WTVD-TV in a written statement:
"While the cause of the mishap is under investigation, our first priority is to locate our missing comrade. We ask that everyone keeps this Marine in their prayers and that you do nothing to hinder the efforts of the authorities involved in the search."
UPI reports Sheriff's deputies and members of the Marine Corps are currently searching wooded areas in eastern North Carolina for the missing Marine.
Lt. Col. Christian Harshberger with Marine Aircraft Group 26 told WECT-TV that four helicopters are also scouring the area for the Marine. He said hundreds of Marines from MCAS New River in Jacksonville, N.C. are en route to join in the search.
