Two U.S. Marine helicopters collide off Hawaii coast

HAWAI’I (CNN) – Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 helicopters with 12 people aboard were missing Friday off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Oahu after an apparent collision, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard was searching for survivors, Marine Maj. Christian Devine said Friday. Searchers spotted a fire and a debris field, including an empty life raft, about 2½ miles north of Haleiwa Beach, according to Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Sara Mooers.

The aircraft were believed to have collided late Thursday off Oahu’s north shore, Mooers said. A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.

Marine officials contacted the Coast Guard about the missing aircraft around 11 p.m. (4 a.m. Friday ET), Mooers said. CNN affiliate KHON in Hawaii reported that witnesses said they heard a loud boom over the water and a flash in the sky. Six people were on board each of the two heavy-lift transport helicopters, according to Mooers.

The Marine Corps tweeted Friday that the missing aircraft are assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, part of the 1st Marine Air Wing. According to the unit’s website, it is stationed at Marine Corps Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay. The Coast Guard sent a helicopter and an HC-130 search plane, and two cutters have also been requested, Hawaii News Now, a CNN affilate, reported.

Weather could be a factor in the search. Hawaii News Now reported waves of 30 feet to 40 feet are expected Friday.