A United States Coast Guard helicopter has reportedly crashed in Alaska, prompting a search and rescue response, authorities have said. The US Coast Guard Arctic District said emergency crews were responding to a “reported crash involving a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter” near Sitka in south-eastern Alaska.
In a statement posted on social media on Monday, the Coast Guard said first responders and search and rescue teams had been dispatched to the area.
The incident was reported near Sitka, a coastal city located west of Juneau.
Authorities have not released details about how many people were on board the helicopter or the circumstances surrounding the reported crash. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter typically has a crew of 4.
“The safety, well-being, and rescue of our crew members is our absolute, immediate priority,” the Coast Guard said. “A formal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event.”
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