5 Marines declared dead in crash near Japan

The U.S. military announced Tuesday that five Marines have been declared dead after their plane collided with a fighter jet off the coast of Japan last week.

Search and recovery operations have also ended after the military, aided by Japanese and Australian forces, was able to find only one survivor, the Marines said in a statement.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The Marines identified Capt. Jahmar Resilard as a casualty in the incident and will release the names of the other five Marines once their next of kin are notified.

{mosads}Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a message to President Trump expressing his condolences, according to The Associated Press.

“The loss of the outstanding members of U.S. Marine Corps is my deepest regret, and I myself and the Japanese people share deep sorrow of the American people,” Abe said. “Japan-U.S. alliance is supported by the dedication of each U.S. military personnel, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims.”

The five were on a KC-130 Hercules refueling aircraft on Thursday when it collided with an F/A-18 Hornet during regular training, crashing off of Japan’s southern coast.

The crew members were based near Hiroshima as part of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, whose call sign is Sumo, the AP noted.

“All of us in the Sumo family are extremely saddened following the announcement of the conclusion of search and rescue operations,” said Lt. Col. Mitchell T. Maury, the commanding officer of their squadron. “We know this difficult decision was made after all resources were exhausted in the vigorous search for our Marines. Our thoughts are heavy and our prayers are with all family and friends of all five aircrew.”