UPDATE: Search Underway After 2 Military Aircraft Crash off Haleiwa

US Coast Guard, file photo by Wendy Osher.

(Update: 11:14 a.m. 1/15/16)

The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue searching for survivors after two aircraft that crashed off Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oʻahu, Friday.

Responders are searching for survivors in a debris field located approximately seven miles offshore that stretches from Mokuleʻia Beach to Turtle Bay.

“The Coast Guard is asking that people use extreme caution along the coastal area surrounding the wreckage site which stretches from Mokuleʻia Beach to Turtle Bay,” says Lt. Scott Carr, Coast Guard 14th District public affairs officer. “We are urging people to stay out of the water and off the beaches due to debris that could pose potential risk and cause serious bodily harm.”

At 11:38 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification of two possible downed military helicopters each reportedly with six personnel aboard.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a statement regarding the apparent collision saying:

“Everyone at the City and County has been deeply impacted by this incident and our hearts are breaking for the friends and ʻohana of the Marines involved.

First responders with the Honolulu Fire Department, the Honolulu Police Department and the Ocean Safety Division have been doing all they can to assist in the search for survivors. A unified command post has been established at Haleʻiwa Small Boat Harbor to direct search and rescue efforts.

A fire boat was deployed last night in an effort to locate survivors and wreckage from the apparent collision, but had to return to shore due to rising surf from an extremely large northwest swell. HFD’s helicopter has been assisting in the search, as well as three watercraft rescue crews with the Ocean Safety Division. 

The city is working with military, federal and state DLNR partners to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has made Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park available as a recovery area. As a result, the park is closed to the public today. It may remain closed for several days as the rescue effort continues.  In addition, the Department of Parks and Recreation is making a facility available at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park to provide meals to rescue workers.”

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(Original post: 5:15 a.m. 1/15/16)

The Coast Guard is responding to a report of downed military aircraft off Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oʻahu.

Responders are searching for survivors in a debris field located about two and half miles north of Haleiwa.

At 11:38 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification of two possible downed military helicopters each reportedly with six personnel aboard.

Just after midnight the Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter arrived on scene and located a debris field.

The 87-foot Ahi patrol boat, currently on Maui, is among the assets that has been directed to assist with the search.

The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Marine Corps.