An air ambulance helicopter crashed into the ocean near Catalina Island on Wednesday night, moments after departing Avalon. Emergency crews rushed to the area as reports indicated that five people were aboard.
ADS-B flight data showed the REACH helicopter lifted off at 7:46 p.m. and climbed to about 175 feet before beginning its descent.
According to Squawk, the aircraft’s signal was lost roughly eight seconds after takeoff.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent helicopters and dive teams to the area at approximately 7:50 p.m. after receiving reports that an aircraft had gone down near the island, CBS reported.
NBC reported that the crash occurred near Pebbly Beach.
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Boat crews rescued three people, while firefighters said two others were located by the U.S. Coast Guard. A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter also joined the response.
No one had been taken to a hospital as of 8:40 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Flight-tracking records showed that a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter departed Oceanside in San Diego County and arrived on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn addressed the incident in a statement: “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.”