Air Ambulance Helicopter Crashes Off Catalina Island With 5 Aboard
Search and rescue operations are underway for an air ambulance helicopter that crashed into the ocean shortly after departing Catalina Island.
An air ambulance helicopter carrying five people crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island Wednesday night, prompting an immediate search and rescue response.
The REACH helicopter reportedly took off from Avalon at 7:46 p.m. and reached an altitude of 175 feet before descending. Its signal was lost eight seconds after takeoff, according to data cited by Squawk.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatched helicopters and divers around 7:50 p.m. after receiving reports of a downed aircraft near Pebbly Beach, just off the island. A Coast Guard MH-60 also responded to the scene.
Initial reports indicated that at least three individuals were recovered from the aircraft and the water. As of 8:40 p.m., none of the occupants had been transported for medical attention, according to the LA County Fire Department.
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, "I have been informed that a medevac helicopter leaving Catalina Island has crashed shortly after takeoff. LA County Fire, Sheriff, Coast Guard, and Avalon Fire are on the scene. Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board."
Details regarding the helicopter's flight plan remained unclear as rescue operations continued into the night.