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Medical Helicopter Down: One Missing After Ocean Crash
1 Oct
Summary
- A medical helicopter crashed into the ocean near Catalina Island.
- Four of the five people aboard were transported to hospitals.
- Search efforts are ongoing for one missing individual.

A Reach Air Medical Services helicopter crashed into the ocean near Catalina Island on Wednesday night, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff's Department were dispatched around 7:50 p.m. after receiving initial reports.
Of the five people aboard, two were transported to a local hospital on Catalina Island, and two others were taken to the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA. Their conditions are currently unknown. As of 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, one person remained missing, and rescue crews continued their search.
The helicopter had reportedly taken off from Oceanside in San Diego County earlier in the evening and landed on Catalina Island before the crash occurred shortly after its subsequent departure. Officials are working to clarify the flight plan and details surrounding the incident.