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.
Its signal disappeared eight seconds after takeoff, according to Squawk.
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.
Three people were rescued by boat crews, while two others were spotted by the US Coast Guard, firefighters said. A Coast Guard MH-60 also responded.
As of 8:40 p.m., no one had been transported, LA County Fire said.
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According to flight tracking data, a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter took off from Oceanside in San Diego County and landed on the island at 7:04 p.m.
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.”
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