A helicopter crash off the Catalina Island coast prompted a major search-and-rescue operation on Wednesday night, with five people reported to have been aboard. Two people were taken to hospital on the island and two others were transferred to Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it sent helicopters and divers to the area at about 7.50pm after receiving reports that an aircraft had gone down near the island.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the condition of all patients was unknown. It did not provide further details about the fifth person reported to have been on board.
The helicopter belonged to Reach Air Medical Services, deputies said. A flight plan for the aircraft had not been established, according to the fire department.
Flight-tracking data showed a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter had travelled from Oceanside, in San Diego County, and landed on Catalina Island at 7.04pm. Los Angeles County supervisor Janice Hahn said it crashed shortly after taking off again.
“Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board,” Ms Hahn wrote on X.
A Reach spokesman confirmed the company was aware of the incident but said no further information was immediately available.
“Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved,” the spokesman said in a statement.
