Four people were rescued after a medical helicopter crashed into the water shortly after taking off from California’s Catalina Island, while authorities continued searching for a fifth person believed to have been aboard.
The crash occurred near Pebbly Beach, close to the island’s helipad, at about 7:50pm on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The helicopter was operated by REACH Air Medical Services and had reportedly departed Catalina Island shortly before the crash. The aircraft’s exact flight plan remained unclear as emergency crews responded.
LA County Fire, the Sheriff’s Department, the US Coast Guard and Avalon Fire were among those involved in the rescue. Four people were eventually recovered from the aircraft and surrounding waters. Two were reported to be in stable condition, while the conditions of the other two were initially unknown. All four were taken for medical treatment. One person remained unaccounted for as authorities continued searching the area. A dive team was also deployed as part of the operation.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina Island, said she had been informed that a medevac helicopter had crashed shortly after takeoff. “LA County Fire, Sheriff, Coast Guard, and Avalon Fire are on the scene,” Hahn said, adding that search-and-rescue operations were underway.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department initially received reports of a marine rescue involving three people. This was before the estimated number of occupants was increased to five, according to county officials.
Flight-tracking information indicated that the REACH helicopter had travelled from Oceanside in San Diego County. It landed on Catalina Island at about 7:04pm before the crash roughly an hour later.
Authorities had not immediately established what caused the helicopter to crash. The investigation remains ongoing as rescue teams continue efforts to locate the missing occupant.
