Defence can confirm that at approximately 2:00pm on Wednesday, 17 February 2021 an incident involving an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter and a Defence-leased ferry occurred during counter-terrorism training on Sydney Harbour. 

The helicopter’s rotors appear to have contacted the ship’s mast and it made a precautionary landing at Robinson Park in Watsons Bay, Sydney, without further issue.

No civilians or Defence personnel were injured. 

On Friday 19 February 2021 the Black Hawk helicopter was safely recovered from Robinson Park Watsons Bay, Sydney to Holsworthy Barracks.

The Black Hawk helicopter will undergo further technical assessment at Holsworthy Barracks.

Defence liaised closely with local authorities and the NSW Police to ensure public safety and minimise any disruption. 

We remain grateful for the community’s support to the ADF.

For more information about Army’s counter-terrorism training: www.army.gov.au/our-news/army-exercises-alerts/australian-defence-force-training-sydney-0