OCEANSIDE — Los Angeles County Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard teams continued a search Thursday for a fifth person who was aboard a medical helicopter that took off from Oceanside and later crashed off the coast of Catalina Island, killing two people and leaving two others injured.
The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff around 7:55 p.m. Wednesday near Avalon on Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Four people were pulled from the dark water after the crash, with two pronounced dead at the scene, fire officials said. Two others were airlifted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Their conditions were not immediately known.
Emergency crews were searching for the fifth person reported to have been aboard the helicopter, Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy told reporters Thursday at an early morning news conference. She added that a Coast Guard submersible watercraft was joining the search to cover underwater areas.
The Coast Guard deployed a 45-foot response boat and a helicopter crew to conduct the search overnight, which will continue throughout the morning, according to the agency.
One broadcast report indicated the missing person was a female patient who may have been strapped to a gurney when the helicopter went into the water.
REACH Air Medical Services confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.
“At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities,” the company posted on Facebook Thursday morning. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues affected by this tragedy. We are focused on supporting our team and everyone impacted during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for those involved and the ongoing response, we are unable to share additional details at this time.”
Flight-tracking data showed the Airbus H-135 medical helicopter took off from the Oceanside Fire Department helipad in San Diego County at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday and arrived on the island before going down shortly after taking off for the return trip.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash concurrently with the Coast Guard, Crecy said.
No further information was immediately available.
