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Subscribe to RSSUpdated at 5:05 a.m. ET: MOBILE, Alabama -- One crew-member died and three were missing after a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crashed off Alabama's coast on Tuesday.
The Coast Guard said in a statement early Wednesday that one crew-member was found unresponsive and was later declared dead.
Petty Officer Second Class Elizabeth Bordelon said the MH-65 Dolphin crashed just after 8:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. ET) in Mobile Bay near Point Clear, Alabama.
The flight originated from the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Bordelon said.
A response cutter from Dauphin Island and two additional MH-65s from New Orleans were dispatched to assist in the search, she said.
A Mobile County Sheriff's Flotilla crew, an HU-144 twin-engine aircraft and an Alabama Marine Resources vessel were also activated.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the crew-members during this difficult time," the Coast Guard said in a statement, adding that it was working through the night to find the three missing crew-members.
"This is our family we're talking about," Bordelon told the Mobile Press-Register.
The Press-Register reported that winds were southeast at around 15 miles per hour and the water temperature 63 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday night. Average water depth in the area averages at 13 feet, the newspaper said.
According to an overview on the U.S. Coast Guard website, the MH-65 Dolphin is its "most ubiquitous aircraft."
It is "certified for operation in all-weather and night-time operations, with the exception of icing conditions," the overview says.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
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Msnbc.com staff, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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This is so sad I am a retired Coast Guard and I feel a loss of family still for my service, these guys go out in all hours of the day or night, to rescue people and risk their lifes for people they dont even know! They always told us "you have to go out, But you dont have to come back" Heres what they meant. God bless them and their families and thank you for your service . Semper Paratus Brothers.
Very nicely put, marriondanna.
The U.S. Coast Guard, "Our United States Coast Guard," does more good than we will ever know. This they do without ever getting the recognition that they deserve. I suspect they do not care about that. They are so brave and honorable that they see the reward as what it really is. God Bless these men and women who serve America and save the lives of all people.
My Father is ex-Coast Guard. May the Lord bless and keep you all.
Ditto, I too am an ex-coastie and still feel the joy and sorrow of the missions.
My sincerest condolences and prayers that the 3 missing are found soon and healthy. Most people don't realize that the Coast Guard is the most dangerous branch of the military. They don't just fight pirates and drug runners, they are also up against the greatest challenge; Mother Nature. God bless all the men and women who serve to protect us. Semper Fi - USMC Mom
I also am an ex-coastie who served on the ice breaker Westwind & weather patrol ship Spencer in the 50's, sailing on the high seas that came over the flying bridge. How proud I am to have served with these brave men & women.
the government better buy better helicopters, train better pilots, train better mechanics and straighten out this mess about our helicopters crashing every time you turn around. i have never in my long life heard of so many crashed helicopters.i guess i was fortunate none crashed when i jumped out of them. ok well that was then and this is now. in my day everything was hands on not push button soldiers. i assure you if we had drones we would have been smart enough to have a fail safe on them to self destruct if they failed to fly or control was lost. maybe obama will bow to the iranian president and he will give us back our drone !!!
THE CAPITAL CENSORS ARE OUT AGAIN AND TELLING ME NOT TO YELL BY USING CAPITALS. WHO CAN TELL ME THE IDIOT THAT STARTED THIS NOTION ??? TWO FOOLS MET WHEN THIS WAS ADOPTED.
NITWIT...OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVEN'T A CLUE AS TO THE COAST GUARD'S MISSION, OR THE FACT THAT THEY PLACE THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY EVERY TIME SOMEONE IS IN TROUBLE. SINCE YOU ARE WITHOUT A CLUE I'LL POINT OUT TO YOU THAT THE MH-65 Dolphin IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY INSPECTED AND RIGOROUSLY MAINTAINED AIRCRAFT IN THE WORLD.
They have to be, people's lives depend on them; your misplaced conjectures and rants show absolutely no relevance to this retired Coastie.
Semper Paratus, fair winds and following seas for our lost brothers and those who search for them.
wacko
Not to mention the fact that when they run training missions, they have to be structured to be as close to realistic as humanly possible. Which means when these dedicated men and women go to work each day, there's a chance they may not come back, due to the intensity of their missions. But it has to be that way, so that they are prepared to respond, rather than react, if and when the real thing happens. God bless all of them!
YOU ARE A JERK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN CAPITAL LETTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Randall Randall, I bet your the type of guy thats speaks of himself in the third person. How long did you serve? Probably a weak three or four year enlistment, which you didn't re-enlist. How do I know this? You know absolutley jack about airframes and those who work on them. Did you ever lay your life down so a stranger could live? We used to call the dolphin's whistling @!$%# cans, only cause we were on the 60 Jayhawks and were a little jealous, truth is it is a great airframe where even the flight mech has a view to search and scan better than a hh-60. Airfrance, has a great record. So to the crew of the 65, we say goodbye, but we never let go!
I don't have to say that there should be no reason why before I even opened the MSNBC article that my first guess was that the helicopter involved was an HH-65, not the HH-60.
I was told by one of my supervisors that at a previous unit they replaced 40 engines in one year amongst three HH-65's.
I have also been told stories of this particular helicopter picking up a rescue swimmer with a full load of fuel and passengers and losing altitude during training missions having to lower the swimmer back down the hoist into the water, burn fuel to lose weight and come back.
This is not a search and rescue helicopter.
When I was active duty we lost on average one helo per year and every single one we lost was an HH-65, and normally the cause of the crash was not pilot error. It was weather conditions that the HH-60 could handle, or mechanical failure.
I am no longer in the Coast Guard and can say whatever I want. There is no reason why these guys should have to jeopardize their lives. They should spend the extra money and make all Coast Guard search and rescue helicopters HH-60's.
Randall, Randall. I am sure your insider knowledge and intelligent comments will offer great comfort and insight to the Coast Guard and the grieving families....NOT.
Proud, loyal Coast Guard Parent.
Oh please save us from our selves....please please we need more regulations, someone to wipe us, someone to tell us what to do with our lives, someone to tell us what to eat, what to wear, what job we shoud do....WHEN does it end?
To all that have served: Thank you for being you!
As a trained helicopter pilot it's obvious to me you know nothing about helicopters or military flight operations. The U.S. military (Coast Guard included) are now flying more hours as part of our war on terror and goal to increase national security. Statistically, the more hours you fly the more likely accidents are going to happen at some point. As good as drones are, they still cannot totally replace manned aircraft (despite what the "experts" try to tell you). You want to criticize Obama's handling of the Iranian drone incident but I guess you forget how Dubya mishandled the August 2000 case, in which a navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane landed in China and Bush did nothing while the Chinese stripped it down, reverse engineering our technology and sent the plane back to us literally in boxes.
Not to mention that Everything is reported on the news now.
@Goldfish; you're absolutely correct. The engines in the 65s are a sore point and CG aviation buddies of mine have acknowledged that has created the need for the rigorous inspection and maintenance protocol. I've been informed that newer engines are being installed to upgrade and overcome lifting problems as you noted.
Hey Randal.....blah, blah, blah, blah......go back under the rock you crawled out from.......blowhard!
Most people have no idea how often these individuals go out on missions putting their lives on the line.It isn't until a person is in trouble that they actually realize there are people who train and prepare every day to lay their lives down for perfect strangers.That's when it sinks in how precious life really is, and what matters most is being with those we love most.God bless everyone who is searching for their lost companions, and Godspeed home those guardian angels He calls, who have valiantly served so many of His other children. Semper Fi
Jesus Christ, how many more hard working people are going to die in these helicoptor accidents?! I'm not sure if the helicoptors or the pilots are at fault for all of this mess, but it's a shame that these tragedies keep occuring. RIP.
I'm retired Coast Guard. It's sad to hear about the loss of brother sailors. We loose people all the time, but its rare to hear about it in the news. (I myself had a close friend die while on duty, underway, on a ship.) It seems like we are the forgotten service. I hope the other Coasties, from that chopper are found alive. Let there be fair weather and calm seas for the ones that serve. Semper Paratus
Yes well said, some people dont even know the coast guard is part of the military! it just shows you how ignorant people can be, but when things do happend they are right there to help and risk their lives. My husband is there now helping with the search and rescue. Let just keep on praying for crewmans, their families and for our coasties as well to keep on doing a good job as their where prepared to do.
my husband is also in the CG, with the Coast Guard being so small, when there is an accident such as this, it tends to touch the whole service, I hope they find those that are missing, thoughts and prayers to all involved
Puddle pirates are not part of the military. They do not fall under the department of defense. They are department of transportation.
Only in times of war is the Coast Guard part of the Navy and DOD.
"Puddle Pirates?" Seriously, Goldfish? Your disrespect is disgusting.
The Coast Guard is not part of the Military wake up Oly.-Semper Fi!
Hey Goldfish you ignorant cretin, were your parents brother and sister? I, as ex Coast Guard take exception to your mindless drivel. The Coast Guard IS military. We take the same oath of office, are subject to the UCMJ and are eligible for VA benefits and when we die can be buried with full military honors. Maybe you should go play on the freeway
Why do you say that, Charles?
@GoldfishTheDestroyer
USCG is under the DHS ... not DOT ... i take it from your comment your Navy.. funny thing i hear the Navy has a Men's department called the USMC.. just saying ill take what you say with a grain of salt
You're wrong. The Coast Guard falls under Homeland Security now, not DOT.
Goldfish & Charles you are both ill informed. After 9/11 the CG was restructured and is now part of the DOD and the only branch to also be part of the Department of Homeland Security. USCG boot camp is now the 2nd most difficult training in the military; and one of the most difficult branches to get into.
Have a little respect for the fallen, no matter what branch you served.
I'm very proud to say that my 24 year old son is in his 5th year with the Coast Guard and my 22 year old son is in his 4th week of boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey... Yes, very proud:)
Some of us writing on this page are old enough to have had an ID Card that read Treasury Department.
Goldfish, for you to be claiming membership in the CG fraternity and referring to your implied brethren as 'puddle pirates' merely demonstrates you to be in the category of intellectual cretinl.
This kind of thing has been happening too often. Helicopters ARE important aircraft -- some would say irreplaceable -- but something is obviously wrong with the current designs. There's got to be an effort to figure out WHAT is wrong, and to do something about it.
The COAST GUARD is made up of some of the most dedicated group of people. Excellent post Mariondanna
I pray they find the missing. My thoughts are with their families.
GOD Bless.
The Coast Guard has a tough job when it needs to be done. Sorry for the loss.
The CG is one amazing resource for this country. They time and time again put their own lives at stake for people who many times put themselves in harms way for no good reason. I spent 23 yrs in the Army but have more respect for the CG than any of the "services".
So, how come I live in Alabama and I'm reading about this on here instead of hearing it on our news stations *SMH* My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of these Coast Guard's...
As a parent of two Coasties, I feel this is a lose to my family. My prayers are going out to the Coasties and there families involved in the crash and to all the men and woman in the Coast Guard. They train hard and put there life on the line when someone/anyone is in trouble. I hope and pray for the safe return of all the search and rescue teams and for those involved in this tragic accident. Sempar Paratus.
The CG has the biggest, brassiest ones out there. These folks do amazing, dangerous things as a routine and get my highest respect. They are pure professionals with guts of steel. Condolences to the families of those lost and to the many brothers and sisters of the guard.
I spent 22 years doing search and recue in CG helicopters. These guys are not flying a set flight path at a set altitiude. They are flying and training in all conditions. for every rescue flight there at least 5 taining flights going on and you simulate conditions you might meet when launching a case.
the Cost Guard is small and the aviation community is even smaller. Any loss is felt by all, but as we watch this unflold there are flights going on from Alaska to Miami.
I have had the opportunity to work along side the USCG and can honestly say they are the most dedicated to the mission I have ever met. They go out when others won't to rescue those they do not know. This loss will affect their entire family. After Hurricane Katrina I remember a member of the Coast Guard saying "we don't need permission to do our job". I'll never forget that. I hope the missing are found and pray for the family for those that are lost. God Bless the USCG and the USA.
My cousing is in the Coast Guard and was a recue swimmer based in Houston, he rescued people off the rooftops in Katrina, saved a couple that fell off a cruise ship out of Galveston, and saved many lives and considers himself lucky doing something he truly loves to do. He just left this base 6 months ago to train in Cecil Field here in Florida. These guys know the risks and truely love what they do. These are man made mechanical machines and unfortunately accidents do happen. I don't see people saying take all cars off the road because people die in auto accidents every day. You hope you never see these guys but when you do you know help has arrived and they will put there lives in danger to save yours. They are true heros and I am thankful when I am out on my boat to know there is someone there in case a catastrophe happens.
To my Coastie brothers and sisters, rest in peace. You're a wonderful and often forgotten service.
My heart goes out to the Coast Guard family, and the family of the missing and deceased crew members. My son is in the Coast Guard for 10 years now. I know they love and will do whatever it takes, no matter how dangerous to protect this country and save a life when duty calls. I am so proud and honored to have a son that has chosen this as his path in life. He and every man and woman who serve this country, put other's lives before their own. God Bless America and all those that serve. Have you ever really thought where this country would be without them? Be thankful and grateful to all that have served.
Having served in the Coast Guard many years ago, I still feel a pained emotion when something happens like this to my young mates. The Coast Guard members pride themselves in "Semper Paradus", always ready. When ships are heading for safe harbor, the Coast Guard is heading out to sea. My heartfelt prayer to the families of the Coasties and to the CG family.
Donald Coombs banned.
New on the scene and doing nothing but equal-opportunity trolling. No, thank you.
Prayers for all. Having severed in the Coast Guard, it still hurts when I hear of something like this. The Coast Guard has a difficult job and every time they go out, they put their lives on the line for others. Prayers for all.
A solid thank you to all the men and women in the Coast Guard who do a great job every day, risking their lives to save others.
- Brad -
Twins Notes -
It seems to me that every branch of the military poo poo's every other branch of the military. I guess I'm in the same catagory because I am bias myself. I'm all for our Coast Guard and what it stands for; Home Land Security:)
My brother and sister-in-law are in the Coast Guard, and my brother tells me that they put themselves in danger to save others everyday in his duties off the coast of Washington and Oregon, however it is still painful to hear of their loss. I know how they feel as I lost some of my Army buddies and my condolences go out to the families and units of these people. "So that others may live."
The U.S Coast Guard are all brave men and women. They always go above and beyond.
Have the names been released? I offer my prayers to the friends and loved ones of those lost and I don't think anyone should discount service they provide nor the danger those that serve in it face, as their jobs are just as important. I ask about the names as every time I heard of a Coast Guard fatality, I think of an old friend we lost touch with over 25 years ago and hope he and his wife/ family are well. Steve C. from Indiana, if you are reading this by any chance, please add a comment saying you and family are well! If "tires and T'ville" have any significance to you, you'll know you are the right Steve!
I love the Coast Guard. I love the mission. They have an excellent safety record. A Coast Guard helicopter crash is rare. They are the best. They have to go out, but they do not have to return. My God be with their families.