Make California Post a Preferred Source An air ambulance helicopter crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island Wednesday night just seconds after departing Avalon, sending crews racing to the scene with five people reportedly aboard.
The REACH helicopter took off at 7:46 p.m. and climbed to 175 feet before descending, according to ADS-B data cited by Squawk.
Its signal disappeared eight seconds after takeoff, according to Squawk.
A live webcam shows Avalon Bay on Catalina Island, Wednesday, after an air ambulance helicopter carrying five people crashed into the ocean shortly after departing Avalon. Love Catalina Sign up for the California Morning Report newsletter The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatched helicopters and divers around 7:50 p.m. after receiving reports of a helicopter down near the island, CBS reported.
The incident was specifically reported near Pebbly Beach, according to NBC.
An air ambulance helicopter crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island Wednesday night just seconds after departing Avalon. Jean Bai – stock.adobe.com A Coast Guard MH-60 also responded.
At least three of these individuals were pulled directly from the aircraft and the water, according to NBC.
As of 8:40 p.m., no one had been transported, LA County Fire said.
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn released a statement regarding the ongoing incident: “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.”
LA County Fire said the helicopter’s flight plan was unclear Wednesday night as the rescue operation continued off Catalina.
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