Two US Navy aircraft — a helicopter and a fighter jet — crashed separately into the South China Sea on Sunday during routine operations. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued safely, according to officials.
In a statement released by the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet, the first incident involved an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter that went down while operating from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. All three crew members aboard were rescued by search and rescue teams.
About thirty minutes later, a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet also crashed into the sea during similar operations from the same carrier. The Navy confirmed that both pilots ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.
“All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition,” the Navy said, adding that investigations are underway to determine the cause of both accidents.
The crashes occurred as US President Donald Trump continued his first visit to Asia in his second term, and as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prepared to begin a regional tour.
Earlier this year, two other US warplanes were lost during operations from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Middle East, marking another reminder of the risks of naval aviation missions.
About the author
Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]
MasterChef Nigeria: Pearl, Margaret first to be eliminated
Pearl and Margaret have become the first contestants to be eliminated from the maiden season of MasterChef Nigeria after a tense opening episode. The popular cooking show features ten home cooks competing for a grand prize of 73 million naira and the title of Nigeria’s first MasterChef. In the first challenge, contestants were asked to recreate a dish inspired by a person who shaped their culinary journey, using a photograph as their guide. They had 60 minutes to prepare and plate a complete meal that told a personal story and impressed the judges with taste, creativity and presentation. Pearl, a 30 year old from Delta State, chose to honour a loved one with a bold menu of pan seared catfish, garri polenta and palm nut velouté, also known as banga soup. However, she struggled with time management in the kitchen […]
Cameraboss wins Creative Visionary award
London based Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Cameraboss has been named Creative Visionary of the Year 2025 2026 in the United Kingdom. The award recognises his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling, especially in wedding, lifestyle and portrait photography that celebrates African culture in the diaspora. The honour was presented at a high profile event in London, where industry leaders and public officials gathered to celebrate excellence in the creative sector. The Mayor of Westminster presented the award in the presence of the Mayor of Islington and other distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of Cameraboss’s work to the city’s cultural life. Cameraboss, whose real name is John Olalekan Durojaye, is the creative director of the Cameraboss brand. Over the years he has built a strong reputation for capturing emotional, vibrant and cinematic images at Nigerian and African weddings across the UK and […]
Onyedika rejects Brugge deal, pushes for big transfer
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has rejected a new contract offer from Belgian club Club Brugge as he pushes for a major transfer this summer. Reports in Belgium say the club has been trying for some time to extend his deal, but the Nigerian has turned down every proposal so far. Brugge were unwilling to let Onyedika leave during the January transfer window because of his importance to their title challenge. However, the player is now said to be focused on securing a move at the end of the season, and this has reportedly affected his concentration in recent weeks. Onyedika has attracted interest from several clubs in Europe’s top leagues following his strong performances for both club and country. Premier League side Aston Villa are among the teams monitoring his situation closely, while German Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Eintracht […]
Is Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles diaspora push lazy or smart
Debate has intensified over Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s growing reliance on foreign born players of Nigerian descent, with many asking if his diaspora recruitment drive is a smart strategy or a lazy shortcut. Supporters argue that the approach reflects modern football realities, while critics fear it may weaken opportunities for home based talents in the Nigerian league. Since taking charge, Chelle has widened Nigeria’s scouting network across Europe, targeting dual nationality professionals who are eligible to represent the country. He has already secured commitments from players such as defenders Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, while holding talks with several other prospects who grew up abroad. Chelle insists that his focus is not on passports but on quality and fit for his tactical plans. He has repeatedly said that he cannot invite every interested player and […]
Galatasaray value Osimhen at €150m amid transfer links
Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly placed a massive 150 million euros valuation on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen amid growing transfer interest from top European clubs. The Istanbul giants see the Nigerian forward as a key asset and are using the huge price tag to fend off potential suitors. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli in a record deal, has been in outstanding form since arriving in Turkey. Reports indicate that his transfer fee and performances have already made him one of the most valuable players in the Turkish Super Lig. Club officials believe his market value has almost doubled since the move, justifying the 150 million euros benchmark. The high valuation comes as clubs from Spain, England and France continue to monitor his situation closely. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and some Premier League sides have all been linked with Osimhen […]
Related
US reiterates recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara
The United States has again reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory. Washington says genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority remains the only realistic basis for a lasting political solution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio restated the position during talks in Washington with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. According to official readouts, Rubio said the US stance, first announced under President Donald Trump in 2020, has not changed. Trump had recognised Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara as part of a deal in which Rabat agreed to normalise relations with Israel. In a message to King Mohammed VI during his second term, he reiterated US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and described the autonomy proposal as serious, credible and realistic. American officials have repeatedly stressed that they do not […]
Suspicious trades linked to Trump announcements
A pattern of unusual activity has been observed in US financial markets during the second term of Donald Trump. According to an analysis by the BBC, large trading volumes have repeatedly appeared shortly before major public announcements by the president. The findings highlight spikes in trading activity—sometimes just minutes before statements are released—particularly in oil and stock markets. Some analysts suggest these patterns resemble insider trading, where decisions are made based on non-public information. Others argue that experienced traders may simply be anticipating the president’s actions more effectively. One notable case occurred on March 9, 2026. Significant bets were placed on falling oil prices before an interview revealed that the conflict with Iran could be nearing an end. Once the information became public, oil prices dropped sharply, generating substantial profits for those who had taken early positions. A similar situation […]
Meta fined $375m over child safety failures
A court in New Mexico has ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages after a jury found the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for children. The ruling follows a seven-week trial in which jurors concluded that Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, exposed young users to harmful content, including sexually explicit material and contact with predators. Raul Torrez described the decision as “historic,” noting it is the first time a US state has successfully held Meta accountable in court over child safety concerns. The jury determined that the company violated consumer protection laws by misleading the public about safeguards for minors. Evidence presented during the trial included internal documents and testimony from former employees indicating that Meta was aware of risks posed to younger users. Among the witnesses was Arturo Béjar, who testified that […]
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
Iran conflict: US embassy warns of possible Abuja protests
The United States embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens about the possibility of protests in Nigeria’s capital linked to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. In a security alert, the embassy said there is a high potential for demonstrations in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, noting that previous protests by some groups have led to violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. The embassy advised US citizens in Abuja to remain in their homes on that day, avoid protest areas and large gatherings, and maintain a low profile while monitoring local media for updates. It also urged them to review their personal security plans, keep their phones charged, carry valid identification, and stay alert in public spaces such as markets, malls, and places of worship. The embassy further encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with emergency exits in […]
Oil Prices Jump Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Global oil prices climbed sharply after Iran intensified strikes across the Middle East, raising fears of disruption to energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 10% on Monday to briefly exceed $82 per barrel following reports that at least three vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. Natural gas prices also surged by up to 25% amid concerns about supply constraints. Iran warned commercial vessels against passing through the strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments transit. Shipping activity at the entrance to the strait has slowed dramatically, with analysts cautioning that a prolonged disruption could drive energy prices significantly higher. In the UK, the FTSE 100 opened nearly 1% lower, with airline shares hit by widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. European markets experienced sharper losses: France’s CAC […]