SEARCH MISSION FOR 12 MISSING MARINES IS CONFIRMED TO BE SUSPENDED;
- Anthony F. Lemmo
- Jan 20, 2016
- 2 min read
The United States Coast Guard has confirmed that all search missions for the 12 marines that went missing in Hawaii last week when their helicopter went down during a routine training exercise off the coast of Hawaii; Officials stated during a press conference Tuesday that “The search suspension will go into effect at sunset Tuesday. No survivors, nor bodies have been reported to be recovered;
"A decision to suspend searching without finding survivors is extremely difficult given the depth of its impact. ... Our thoughts and prayers are with Marine Corps helicopter squadron and particularly with their families and loved ones all of those missing," said Coast Guard Capt. Jim Jenkins in a written statement.
In a statement released Tuesday, The U.S. Marine Corps notified the Coast Guard that two CH-53 copters, carrying six men each, were missing. A search ensued involving the Navy, the National Guard, as well as Hawaii fire, police and Ocean Safety.
When the search is officially suspended at sunset Tuesday in Hawaii, a total of 130 rescue personnel will have covered 40,530 nautical square miles, an area about the size of Florida, during a 115-hour search effort, the Coast Guard said.
Eventually, all four life rafts believed to be on board had been retrieved.
"There is no indication from any of the sightings that any survivors have been aboard any of the life rafts," the Coast Guard said after four days of searching.
Naval ships in which are equipped with sonar arrived Sunday and conducted an underwater search, however no additional debris has been sighted and searchers have overlapped each other’s' areas to provide and ensure multiple perspectives as well as to put fresh eyes on them.
The Coast Guard asked people along the coast to alert the Marines if they found any debris. The area is a popular surfing destination, and surfers were told to avoid any debris in the water to prevent injuries.
The Families of the 12 missing marines are very thankful for the publics out pour of thoughts and prayers however the families ask to allow for time of grievance during such drastic times.
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