A Coast Guard A C-130J was also part of the search but had to land when a bird struck it, said Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Scott Carr.
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The crash comes less than a year after a Marine Corps tilt-rotor aircraft crashed during a training exercise in Hawaii, killing two Marines. And CNN affiliate KATU reported that a Stayton, Oregon, man was among the missing.
Family friend Christina Brown described Hart as upbeat and energetic and said he enjoys nature, boating and wakeboarding.
– Cpl. Matthew R. Drown, 23, Spring, Texas.
Officials are asking people to immediately report any sightings of possible debris from two Marine helicopters that crashed off Hawaii. Crews faced high surf throughout Friday, including waves of upwards of 30 feet.
A steady rain was falling on the North Shore just before daybreak, and rough water conditions were forecast. “God bless them”, McGrew said. Their names haven’t been released.
The Coast Guard was actually notified by a civilian on the beach about the crash.
Debris has been found “consistent with these types of aircraft”, Jenkins said.
The helicopters normally carry four crew members, but this particular flight also carried one or two instructor trainers, Capt Irish said. All 12 crew members were still missing Friday.
Officials say high surf is dispersing the debris and complicating the search and rescue effort.
Fire Department rescue personnel stand near a department helicopter near the beach at Haleiwa, Hawaii, Friday, Jan. 15, 2016.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Kiska (WPB-1336) and Ahi (WPB-87634), stationed out of Hilo and Honolulu, respectively, as well as an MH-65 helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft are searching the waters around the island.
Anthony Kuenzel of Missouri told CNN that his brother-in-law, Capt. Kevin Roche, is among them.
Officials said the Marine is a member of Hingham’s Orlando family. He says no other passengers were aboard either aircraft during the nighttime training mission.
NPR reported Friday that two heavy-life helicopters collided overnight off the coast of Oahu. The debris covers an area of 2 miles, Irish said.
A Florala native is believed to be among a dozen Marines missing after a two helicopters collided off the Hawaii coast.
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The U.S. Coast Guard said Saturday the search now covers waters off Waianae in addition to the north shore.
