2 helicopters involved in collision in Hawaii, 12 people missing

The US Coast Guard said it has responded to a report of a military aircraft collision involving two Marine helicopters off the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Chief Petite Officer Sara Mooers told ABC News.

Responders are searching for 12 people in a debris field 2 miles off the coast of Haleiwa.

Each helicopter was carrying six people.

The Marine Corps said in a news release that the aircraft were from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Coast Guard received a call from the Marine Core Air Station, Kane’ohe Bay, at 11:38 p.m. local time Thursday requesting assistance.

Officials launched Coast Guard aircraft -- a MH65 helicopter and an HC130 Coast Guard airplane -- from Oahu.

The Coast Guard is searching the debris with assistance from a Navy helicopter crew and the Honolulu Fire Department with a helicopter and rescue boat on scene.

They have not located any personnel at this time and are continuing to search.

This latest incident follows a string of deadly training exercises for the military.

Source: MENA