US Navy Helicopter Crashes, Coast Guard Assists

The US Navy Helicopter MH-53E Sea Dragon, crashed in the Virginia Capes yesterday morning, killing two 2 crewmembers.

The Norfolk-based helicopter with five crewmembers aboard was on routine mine countermeasure operation when the accident occurred.

Two other crewmembers have been saved, but one is still missing.

The US Coast Guard rushed to the spot to get the crew from the water, who were subsequently

transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for medical assistance.

The helicopter, MH-53E, doesn’t fly with weapons and it has two pilots and a crew from one to six. Its primary mission is to do long range minesweeping or Airborne Mine Countermeasures missions. Also it preforms heavy-lift duties for the US Navy.

The US Coast Guard continued search for the missing crewmember yesterday evening.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, January 09, 2014; Image: US Navy