Feb. 7 (UPI) — Rescuers found a military helicopter that had been missing since before dawn on Wednesday and the search continues for the five-member crew.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, was found about 40 miles from San Diego in Pine Valley at about 9 a.m., according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing . The Marine Corps has been leading the search and rescue effort after it was reported overdue about 1:40 a.m.
Officials did not say what condition the helicopter was in when it was found.
A report by CNN cited Cal Fire and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in saying the search was taking place in muddy terrain that is being affected by a mix of rain and snow.
The five mission soldiers aboard the flight were assigned to the Marine Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, an agency statement said.
The helicopter was traveling from the Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Deigo went it went missing , Marine Corps officials said. Rescue crews initially searched an area of the Cleveland National Forest east of San Diego.