Coast Guard: 2 marine helicopters collide off Hawaii’s Oahu

Military officials say two Marine helicopters have collided off the Hawaiian island of Oahu with a total of 12 people on board and a search was underway.

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Sara Mooers said that the Marine Corps reported the crash just before midnight Thursday. Mooers says each aircraft had six people aboard.

A Coast Guard helicopter and C-130 airplane arrived on scene 2 1/2 miles offshore shortly after midnight and located a debris field.

Marine Capt. Timothy Irish confirmed that a search and rescue is underway for the two CH-53Es – transport helicopters. He said the aircraft were from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Mooers told Los Angeles radio station KNX-AM that search conditions were challenging because of darkness and high surf. She said a high surf advisory is in effect for waves 10 to 15 feet building throughout the morning.