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Hawaii military aircraft crash: Two helicopters carrying 12 crash in Oahu
Two US Marine helicopters collide near the coast of Hawaii
(about 2 hours later)
Two US military helicopters collided off the coast of Hawaii early on Friday morning, according to reports.
Twelve US Marines are missing after two US military helicopters collided mid-air near the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
The helicopters were carrying a total of 12 passengers when they crashed off the northern shore of Oahu island, CNN quoted the US Coast Guard as saying.
The US Coast Guard is currently searching for the missing crew of two CH-53s, the US Marines announced on Twitter.
Rescue workers spotted a fire on the surface of the sea and a field of debris – including an empty life raft - according to Chief Petty Officer Sara Mooers.
They added that the aircrafts are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st MAW in Hawaii.
CBS News reported the Coast Guard arrived just after midnight and found the debris roughly 2.5 miles off shore.
Rescuers spotted burning debris nearly 2.5 miles off the shore, with one empty life raft. No signs of survivors have been reported, according to NBC News.
The news agency said there were six personnel on each helicopter, although this could not be immediately confirmed.
Efforts are being hampered by massive waves and strong currents, however. Surf in the area will be up to 30-40 feet high throughout Friday as the largest swell of the season rolls in, Hawaii News Now reported.
The aircraft had been dispatched from the Marine Corps Air Station on Hawaii's Kaneʻohe Bay.
A Navy helicopter crew and the Honolulu Fire Department are assisting the coast guard in the search.
The US Coast Guard is currently searching the debris for survivors assisted by a Navy helicopter crew and the Honolulu Fire Department, according to ABC News.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
A helicopter and rescue boat were also on scene the news agency said. Rescue workers are understood not to have located any personnel so far and are continuing to search the water.
Efforts are being hampered by massive waves and strong currents, however. Surf in the area will be up to 30-40 feet high throughout Friday as the largest swell of the season rolls in, Hawaii News Now reported.
Video footage published by Khon2.com showed fire fighters and ambulances arriving at the scene in heavy rain.
