Navy Ends Search For 5 Sailors Missing After Helicopter Crash Off San Diego

San Diego CA

05 September, 2021

10:50 AM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego September 4, 2021 The Navy on Saturday declared the five crew members missing from the helicopter crash on Tuesday deceased and ended the search off San Diego. The MH-60S Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8 at North Island was conducting routine flight operations when it crashed off the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln 60 nautical miles from San Diego. One crew member was rescued, and five sailors on deck were injured in the accident. The Navy said that out of respect for the families and in accordance with official policy, the identities of the deceased will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified. Search and rescue efforts were underway for 72 hours and included 170 hours of flight time by five helicopters as wells as surface assistance by Navy and Coast Guard vessels. An investigation into the incident is underway and the Navy will attempt to recover the remains of the crew. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.