Helicopter crashes off Catalina Island coast, rescue efforts underway

Rescue crews rushed to the Catalina Island coastline after a medical helicopter crashed in the ocean on Wednesday night. 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it dispatched helicopters and divers at around 7:50 p.m., shortly after receiving the initial reports of a helicopter down near the island. 

Firefighters said five people were aboard. The LA County Sheriff’s Department said two people were taken to a hospital on Catalina Island. Two other people were taken to the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. 

Deputies said all patients were in an unknown condition. 

Rescue crews said the fifth person was still missing as of 9:40 p.m.

LA County Fire said the helicopter’s flight plan is unclear. Deputies said the helicopter belonged to Reach Air Medical Services.

Flight tracking data showed a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter taking off from Oceanside in San Diego County at 6:40 p.m. and landing on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m. 

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn wrote on X that the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the island, roughly an hour later.

“Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board,” Hahn wrote on X.  

A Reach spokesperson said they are aware of the incident but could not provide further information.

“Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement.