Military aircraft collide in Hawaii; search on for survivors

Irish said Friday that each helicopter had a crew of six.

RETRANSMIT FOR IMPROVED TONING – A search vessel cruises the waters off the beach at Haleiwa, Hawaii, Friday, Jan. 15, 2016.

The search area grew throughout the day, and by about 2 p.m. spanned some 20 miles along the shoreline, from Mokuleia Beach to Turtle Bay.

“I’m continuing to monitor the search and rescue efforts closely, and offer my support to all the military, local and federal responders who are leading these efforts”.

The Coast Guard says the ship arrived late Sunday from Pearl Harbor to support a Navy unit searching underwater with sonar and a remotely operated vehicle.

U.S. Navy destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) and USS Gridley (DDG-101) and an MH-60R helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 are also participating in the effort.

A Florala native is believed to be among a dozen Marines missing after a two helicopters collided off the Hawaii coast.

Authorities were alerted to the crash by a man on the beach who says he witnessed a large fireball after seeing the helicopters disappear.

Hours later, a Coast Guard helicopter and C-130 airplane spotted debris 2 1/2 miles offshore. Matthew Drown are thought to be part of the nighttime training mission.

The family of one of 12 Marines missing after two helicopters crashed off Hawaii is thanking people for their prayers. “We are definitely hoping to bring these guys back”, she said Saturday morning.

The situation was hard even for Honolulu Emergency Service Department whose lifeguards are accustomed to big waves and poor visibility.

“We remain hopeful”, McKenzie said.

The Coast Guard initially reported that the helicopters had collided, but Capt Irish said it was not clear what happened.

Search and rescue personnel with military, federal, state and city agencies joined forces in the search-and-rescue operation. Lifeguards also pitched in, searching within a mile of shore for debris.

— Capt. Kevin T. Roche, 30, St. Louis.

The family described him as a passionate Marine and thanked people praying for his safe return.

Loved ones have identified to CNN three Marines missing, and CNN affiliates have reported on two more missing Marines.