Two Marine Corps helicopters collided off the coast of Hawaii late Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard said, and an active search is underway.
A total of 12 people were on board the two U.S Marine Corps CH-53 helicopters. The Marine Corps confirmed that the aircraft are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24.
Initial reports said there were no signs of survivors, but an active search and rescue mission is underway.
The helicopters were conducting a nighttime training mission off the North Shore of Oahu the time of the accident, according to NBC.
The aircraft are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st MAW in Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/Gn4VmXOIgM
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) January 15, 2016
The Marine Corps can confirm there is an active search and rescue for 2 CH-53’s of the coast of Oahu. pic.twitter.com/3eIHloJYOx
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) January 15, 2016
Searchers have spotted a fire and debris field in the search for survivors, including an empty life raft, less than three miles north of Haleiwa Beach, Chief Petty Officer Sara Mooers said.
Initials calls about the collision in the waters off Kahaone Loop in Waialau came in around 11 p.m. local time around the same time Marine officials contacted the Coast Guard about the missing aircraft.
Witness in the area said they heard a loud boom over the water and saw a big flare in the sky.
Waves could be as high as 30 to 40 feet Friday morning, the area forecast says.
(h/t KHON2)
