Search for missing air crash marines called off

US military officials have called off a search for three marines missing after an aircraft crashed into the sea off eastern Australia while trying to land.

The US Marine base Camp Butler in Japan says the MV-22 Osprey took off from the USS Bonhomme Richard and was conducting operations on Saturday when it crashed into the water.

Of 26 personnel aboard the aircraft, 23 were rescued. The next of kin have been informed.