N環球 
Medical Helicopter Crashes Off Catalina Island: 2 Dead, 2 Hospitalized, 1 Missing as Search Continues
A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter carrying five people crashed off Catalina Island on the evening of Sept. 30: two killed, two hospitalized in stable condition, and the patient still missing. The Coast Guard search continues and the NTSB is investigating.
Why it matters
A medical helicopter carrying five people went down into the ocean off Santa Catalina Island, California, shortly after taking off near Pebbly Beach at about 7:55 p.m. Pacific time on Wednesday, September 30. Four people were pulled from the water: two were pronounced dead at the scene and two were taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition. A fifth person — the patient being transported — remains missing, and the U.S. Coast Guard and the Los Angeles County Fire Department are continuing an active search-and-rescue operation.
Full report
The aircraft, an Airbus H-135 operated by REACH Air Medical Services, had flown in from Oceanside in San Diego County earlier that evening to pick up a patient and went down on the return leg. The wreck lies in about 240 feet (73 metres) of water, roughly 22 miles off the Los Angeles County mainland.
The Coast Guard diverted an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a 45-foot response boat, while county firefighters coordinated Baywatch crews, divers and a remotely operated submersible. Responders searched an area of several square miles through the night and into Thursday. A Coast Guard official said the missing occupant is believed to be the patient.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating; the cause is undetermined. The aircraft will be recovered and taken to a secure facility for examination. REACH confirmed one of its helicopters was involved and said it is cooperating with authorities. The identities of those aboard have not been released.
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