1 Killed, 2 in Critical Condition After Helicopter Crash in Gulf of Mexico–See Dramatic Rescue Video
One person is dead and two others are in critical condition after a helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Mexico.
The crash reportedly happened 46 miles off the coast of Morgan City, Louisiana on Wednesday evening around 6:30 p.m. according to U.S. Coast Guard officials.
Officials from Westwind Helicopter Inc. informed the Coast Guard around 6:35 p.m. Wednesday that one of their company helicopters, with three people on board, had crashed.
While two crewmembers were able to be rescued by the Coast Guard, the body of a third crewmember was found inside the "submerged helicopter."
According to a report from The Advocate, the two crewmembers who were rescued were airlifted to the University Medical Center in New Orleans where they were listed in critical condition.
The two rescued crewmembers were able to hang onto a life raft until the Coast Guard arrived.
The helicopter was owned and operated by Westwind Helicopters—an offshore transportation company based out of Santa Fe, Texas. While we aren't sure what caused the crash yet, an investigation is ongoing.
Dramatic video of the rescue was captured by Coast Guard officials.
U.S. Coast Guard District Eight Search and Rescue Coordinator Lieutenant Commander Sean DiGeorge extended condolences to the family of the crewmember who could not be rescued alive.
We're grateful we were able to save two crewmembers but saddened from the loss of the third. We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to the crewmembers' family and friends during this difficult time.
See the full story here via The Advocate.