A medevac helicopter crashed into the water off Catalina Island, California, shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Five people were aboard, with one reported missing and four taken to hospitals. Local, county and federal agencies launched a search and rescue operation after receiving reports of the crash. The condition of two survivors was reported as stable, while the condition of two others was initially unknown.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Crash reported off Catalina Island |
| 2) | Five people were aboard the aircraft |
| 3) | Multiple agencies joined the rescue effort |
| 4) | Flight path and operator details emerge |
| 5) | Authorities continue seeking information |
Crash reported off Catalina Island
The helicopter went down in the water near Catalina Island on Wednesday night, after reportedly departing the island shortly before the incident. The Los Angeles County Fire Department received the first reports at approximately 8 p.m. The location prompted an immediate response from emergency crews working around the island and surrounding waters.
The circumstances of the crash were not immediately established. Officials had not released a cause or described the aircraft’s condition after it entered the water. Search activity continued into late Wednesday night as crews worked to determine whether additional people remained in the area.
Five people were aboard the aircraft
Officials said five people were aboard the medevac helicopter. One person remained unaccounted for late Wednesday night, while the other four were transported for medical care. Two survivors were taken to hospitals on Catalina Island, and two others were transported to Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA.
The two people taken to hospitals on the island were reported to be in stable condition. The conditions of the two transported to the mainland were initially unknown. Authorities did not publicly identify the passengers or crew, and no further details about their injuries were released.
Multiple agencies joined the rescue effort
The Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatched helicopters and divers after learning of the crash. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and Avalon Fire also responded. Their work focused on locating the missing person, assisting survivors and securing the crash area.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said the aircraft had crashed shortly after takeoff and confirmed that county fire, sheriff’s, Coast Guard and Avalon Fire personnel were at the scene.
“Search and rescue operations are underway, and I am praying for everyone who was on board.”
Flight path and operator details emerge
Deputies said the helicopter belonged to Reach Air Medical Services, a medevac operator. Flight tracking data indicated that a helicopter associated with the company departed Oceanside in San Diego County at 6:40 p.m. and landed on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m.
The available information did not clarify the aircraft’s intended flight plan after its arrival or explain how long it remained on the island. The operator said it was aware of the incident and was focused on those involved, but it did not provide additional details while the response was active.
Authorities continue seeking information
The search and rescue operation remained ongoing late Wednesday night. Divers and aircraft were deployed as emergency teams searched the waters near the island. Investigators will need to establish the helicopter’s movements, the conditions at the time and the events leading to the crash.
Officials had not announced whether the missing person had been located or released a detailed account of the aircraft’s final moments. Additional information about the survivors, the helicopter and the cause of the crash was expected to depend on the continuing rescue and investigative work.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The crash occurred off Catalina Island shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday. |
| 2 | Five people were aboard the medevac helicopter. |
| 3 | One person was missing and four were taken to hospitals. |
| 4 | Fire, sheriff’s, Coast Guard and Avalon crews participated in the response. |
| 5 | The cause of the crash and the status of the missing person remained unresolved. |
Summary
A medevac helicopter crashed into waters near Catalina Island, triggering a multi-agency search. Four of the five people aboard reached hospitals, while one person remained missing late Wednesday night. Officials and the operator had not released the cause of the crash or a full account of the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the helicopter crash?
The medevac helicopter crashed into the water off Catalina Island in Southern California.
How many people were aboard?
Five people were aboard. One was reported missing, and four were transported to hospitals.
Which agencies responded?
The response included the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and Avalon Fire.
What is known about the helicopter’s operator?
Deputies said the helicopter belonged to Reach Air Medical Services. Flight tracking data showed a departure from Oceanside and a subsequent landing on Catalina Island before the crash.
