Americas

Americas

Two US Marine helicopters collide near coast of Hawaii

15 January 2016 16:49 (UTC +04:00)

Baku – APA. Twelve US Marines are missing after two US military helicopters collided mid-air near the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, Independent reported.

The US Coast Guard is currently searching for the missing crew of two CH-53s, the US Marines announced on Twitter.

They added that the aircrafts are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1^st MAW in Hawaii.

Rescuers spotted burning debris nearly 2.5 miles off the shore, with one empty life raft. No signs of survivors have been reported, according to NBC News.

Efforts are being hampered by massive waves and strong currents, however. Surf in the area will be up to 30-40 feet high throughout Friday as the largest swell of the season rolls in, Hawaii News Now reported.

A Navy helicopter crew and the Honolulu Fire Department are assisting the coast guard in the search.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.