Urgent search continues for missing person after deadly helicopter crash off Catalina Island

AVALON, Calif. (KABC) — Rescue teams on Thursday continued to search for a missing person after a medical helicopter crashed into the waters near Avalon on Catalina Island shortly after takeoff.

The Airbus H-135 was carrying five people when it went down in the water off of Pebbly Beach around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Initial reports indicated that there were only three people on the aircraft.

The L.A. County Fire Department later confirmed that two people died, two were hospitalized and a fifth person remained missing. Search and rescue operations continued through the night for that missing person.

A rescue operation was underway after a medevac helicopter crashed into the waters near Avalon on Catalina Island shortly after takeoff, officials said.

AIR7 flew over Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where at least one of the victims was seen being wheeled off a helicopter. The condition of the two survivors is unknown.

REACH Air Medical Services later confirmed that one of their helicopters was involved in the incident.

“We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter. At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities. We are unable to provide additional details at this stage and will share more information when it becomes available. Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved.,” said a spokesperson for the company.