Rescue crews continued intensive search efforts on Thursday following a fatal medical helicopter crash in the ocean off the coast of Catalina Island. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that it dispatched divers and helicopters at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday after receiving initial reports of the incident. There were five individuals aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, two people died at the scene, two were hospitalized, and one woman remains missing. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna identified the deceased victims as the pilot and a nurse. The survivors who were transported to the hospital include a medic and another man. Officials confirmed that the missing individual is a female patient who was being transported to the mainland for medical care. Crews are working to determine whether she remains inside the submerged wreckage. Sheriff Luna expressed cautious optimism during an update, noting that while recovery remains a possibility, rescue teams continue to scour the area for the missing passenger. Dive teams successfully located the aircraft wreckage resting 218 feet below the surface. U.S. Coast Guard Captain Stacey Crecy stated that favorable weather conditions allowed teams to work through the night and expand the search zone. The National Transportation Safety Board announced it will lead an investigation into the accident involving the Eurocopter EC 135 P2 aircraft. Authorities confirmed the helicopter was operated by Reach Air Medical Services. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft departed from Oceanside in San Diego County at 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday and touched down on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m. before the fatal return flight. Local leaders and company representatives expressed profound grief over the tragedy. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn released a statement honoring the crew members, emphasizing that they dedicated their lives to helping others and represent a devastating loss for the community. A spokesperson for Reach Air Medical Services shared that the organization is mourning the loss of its colleagues and offering full support to the affected families during this difficult time.
Source: cbsnews.com
