A nightmare situation unfolded off the coast of Catalina Island late Wednesday night. A Reach Air Medical Services helicopter crashed into the ocean shortly after taking off from Avalon.
The crash details
Flight data shows the helicopter departed at 7:46 p.m. and hit an altitude of 175 feet before things went south, fast. Its signal vanished just eight seconds later. The chopper had originally flown to the island from Oceanside in San Diego County earlier that evening.
The rescue effort
Local authorities, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Sheriff's department, and the US Coast Guard, swarmed the area near Pebbly Beach by 7:50 p.m. It’s giving major rescue mission vibes with divers, helicopters, and boat crews all on-site.
So far, three people have been pulled from the water by boat crews, and the Coast Guard spotted the two remaining passengers. As of 8:40 p.m., there were no reports of anyone being transported to a hospital yet. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn confirmed she’s tracking the situation, saying, “Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board.”
What this means for you
This is a developing emergency situation. If you are in the area, avoid the water near Pebbly Beach to allow rescue teams to do their jobs. We are waiting on more information regarding the condition of those rescued—the real tea remains to be seen once officials release an update.
