Two dead and one missing after medical helicopter crashes off California

A medical helicopter crashed into the sea off the coast of Los Angeles, killing two people, injuring two and leaving one person missing, local authorities told US media. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said the helicopter had departed Santa Catalina Island and crashed shortly after takeoff. She said search and rescue operations were under way and expressed concern for those on board.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a downed helicopter departing the island for the mainland at about 7:53 p.m. local time, according to fire engineer Jonathan Torres, who spoke to the news station KTLA. Torres said four of the five people on board had been found.

Two survivors were taken to hospitals on the mainland in stable condition, while two people were confirmed dead at the scene. One person remained unaccounted for as rescue work continued. Santa Catalina Island is a tourist destination off southern California, about 22 miles, or 35 kilometres, from the Los Angeles harbour area.

REACH Air Medical Services told the local broadcaster KABC that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash. The report said AFP had contacted the company for comment. The supplied material does not identify the victims, explain what caused the crash or say what type of medical flight was being operated.

Authorities had not reported that the missing person had been located at the time described. The incident follows a separate crash involving a REACH medical helicopter in October 2025. That aircraft came down on a California highway, critically injuring all three people aboard; one later died from her injuries, according to the report.

Search and rescue operations were continuing after the latest crash.