Audio from emergency teams following a helicopter crash near Avalon on Catalina Island.
Thursday, October 1, 2026 5:20AM
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AVALON, Calif. (KABC) — A rescue operation is underway after a medevac helicopter crashed into the waters near Avalon on Catalina Island shortly after takeoff Wednesday night, officials said.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed there was a Marine Search and Rescue operation underway, which began shortly after receiving a report of three people in the ocean around 7:53 p.m. off of Avalon.
The Coast Guard’s Los Angeles Station later said at least 5 people had initially gone into the water following a helicopter crash and were helping with the rescue.
No further details were immediately known.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
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