Four Injured After US Coast Guard Helicopter Crashes In Alaska

Four U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) servicemembers suffered non-serious wounds from a Monday helicopter crash in Sitka, Alaska, but were declared safe, authorities said.

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USCG Arctic Command personnel obtained a preliminary report of the incident after the helicopter crew’s personal locator beacon pinged at around 10:07 a.m. local time, according to a USCG press release. Sitka Fire and Rescue responded to the scene at around 11:00 a.m. local time and took the servicemembers to an area hospital. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak has dispatched personnel and a helicopter reinforce Coast Guard Air Station Sitka.

“We are incredibly relieved our crew members survived with only minor injuries,” Coast Guard Arctic District commander Rear Adm. Bob Little said. “We are grateful for the swift response by the Sitka Fire and Rescue who assisted us during this difficult time.”

There is an active investigation.

USCG Arctic District announced that they were conducted a search and rescue mission earlier Monday on X. “The U.S. Coast Guard is actively responding to a reported crash involving a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter that occurred today in Sitka, Alaska,” the post said in a statement. “First responders and search and rescue assets are currently responding. The safety, well-being, and rescue of our crew members is our absolute, immediate priority.”

“The cause of the incident is not yet known. A formal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event,” they added.

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The USCG Arctic, headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, is responsible for the Alaskan maritime region and polar waters. They cover nearly 4 million square miles and 47,000 miles of shoreline.

Screenshot/USCG Arctic

The USCG Arctic “saves 22 lives; assists 53 people; reports and investigates 25 marine casualties; performs 74 living marine resource boardings; responds to 22 pollution incidents; services 93 buoys and fixed aids to navigation; conducts 13 security boardings and 22 security patrols,” during an average month, according to their website.

Earlier in June, eight servicemembers died after a B-52 Stratotanker crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, California. (RELATED: 8 Dead In ‘Unsurvivable’ B-52 Crash, Air Force Official Says)

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Editor’s note: Article updated with additional information.