HONOLULU (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says they’ve dramatically expanded the search area for five soldiers missing after a Black Hawk helicopter crashed off Hawaii.
The Coast Guard said Thursday the search area now includes waters up to 50 miles off shore.
Twenty-four hours earlier, the search area was about five miles offshore.
Swift and dynamic currents prompted the rapid expansion. Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir says this is typical for this part of the ocean.
Rescue crews are looking for two pilots and three crew members missing since their helicopter went down during nighttime training off Oahu’s Kaena Point late Tuesday.
Muir says airplanes are scouring the waters on the outer edges of the search area. Helicopters and vessels are searching closer in, about 15 to 20 miles offshore.
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