Search continues off Hawaii for 12 Marines in copter crash
HALEIWA, Hawaii — Rescuers battled winds up to 23 mph and waves up to 30 feet Saturday as they searched for 12 Marines who remain missing after two helicopters they were in crashed off the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
The Marines were alerted when the CH-53E helicopters carrying six crew members each failed to return to their base at Kaneohe Bay following a nighttime training mission.
Hours later, a Coast Guard helicopter and C-130 airplane spotted debris 2 1/2 miles off of Oahu.
The search has included Air Force units as well as a Honolulu Fire Department rescue boat and Coast Guard cutters.