US Coast Guard suspends search for 12 missing Marines
The US Coast Guard has suspended its search for 12 Marines who went missing after two US military helicopters crashed off the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
The collision between two Marine Corps choppers carrying six crew members each happened on late on Thursday, Coast Guard spokeswoman Sara Mooers said on Friday.
Rescuers searched for five days for the troops who were participating in a night training mission when witnesses saw the helicopters and then a fireball.
US Coast Guard District 14 chief of staff told ABC News that the decision to suspend the search was very difficult, and it was made after thorough evaluation of the situation.
"I know I speak for the entire Coast Guard when I say our thoughts and prayers are with Marine Corps helicopter squadron and particularly with families and loved ones of those missing,” Jenkins told ABC News.
The helicopters belonged to the Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe Bay, Coast Guard spokeswoman Sara Mooers said, adding that Coast Guard crews have spotted a debris field about 2.5 miles (four kilometers) off the north shore of Oahu but no people.
The US Navy and a local fire department provided assistance for the search operation, which had been hampered by dark, cloudy conditions and large waves of up to 15 feet.
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