A helicopter belonging to an air ambulance service crashed into the ocean near Catalina Island on Wednesday night shortly after taking off from Avalon. Reports suggest that there were five people on board at the time of the incident.
The REACH helicopter lifted off at 7:46 p.m., climbing to an altitude of 175 feet before it began descending. Data from ADS-B indicated that the helicopter’s signal vanished only eight seconds after takeoff.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded quickly, dispatching helicopters and divers around 7:50 p.m. after receiving information about a helicopter in distress near Pebbly Beach.
Additionally, a Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter joined the rescue efforts. Reports indicate that at least three individuals were retrieved from the helicopter and the surrounding water. However, as of 8:40 p.m., none of the passengers had been transported to safety, according to the Fire Department.
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn commented on the situation, stating that she had been informed about the helicopter crash shortly after it departed Catalina Island. She mentioned that search and rescue operations were underway, and expressed hope for the safety of those on board.
Details on the helicopter’s flight plan were still unclear as the rescue operation continued into the evening.
