Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spoke Wednesday about the recent underwater rescue mission off the coast of Catalina Island and their overall training and preparation for such operations.
The multi-agency rescue mission, conducted by LASD, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard, was prompted by a deadly medevac helicopter crash that took place on the evening of Sept. 30.
First responders were immediately dispatched to the waters off Catalina to search for the five occupants who were onboard the helicopter. At first, four were found – and two were pronounced dead at the scene, L.A. County Fire Engineer Jonathan Torres told KTLA shortly after the crash…