“The coast guard is calculating drift rates where we might find them, and then we provide the guidance to helicopters, police, fire, Navy, and Coast Guard about where to conduct the search”, Adm. Vincent Atkins of the 14th Coast Guard District says.
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Six people were on board each of the two heavy-lift transport helicopters when they apparently crashed. The Coast Guard began a search and rescue effort, but 30- to 40-foot surf and bad weather have complicated the search effort, according to media reports.
The Marine Corps said there was an “ongoing search and rescue” operation for the two CH-53 helicopters.
There was no immediate word on what caused the crash or if any survivors have been found.
“Around 11:30, I heard the big explosion”, said JK Hanoa, who witnessed the accident.
“It does move things around and keeps us busy”, Mooers said.
Rescuers are having to deal with rough water conditions and poor visibility, which forecasters expect to last for the next several days.
Hours after the crash, Coast Guard cutters and helicopters searched the choppy waters and spotted debris 21⁄2 miles offshore, strewn over a two-mile area, officials said.
Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokeswoman Shayne Enright says debris sightings can be reported to 911 so that authorities can respond quickly.
Responders are searching for survivors in a debris field located about two and half miles north of Haleiwa.
“Thoughts and prayers are with our Marines and their families in Hawaii as search efforts continue”, General Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, said in a message on Twitter. The “Pegasus” squadron was activated in 1944, has operated on both coasts, and is now based in Hawaii.
“Captain Kevin Roche is a passionate Marine who loves his family and his country – and we love him”, they said.
The two aircraft are believed to be helicopters, Mooers also said. In 2012, one person was killed and three injured when a CH-53D Sea Stallion made a “hard impact” landing while on a night training flight.
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