After California state officials (USA) determined the location of the Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion military helicopter that went missing on the night of February 6, forces were mobilized to search for the five Marines on board.

According to initial information, the helicopter departed from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas (Nevada) and crashed while en route to San Diego (California). It was later found in a forest in California. At the time of the accident, 5 crew members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 were on a routine training flight.

US MARINE CORPS

The helicopter was later reported as "too slow", meaning it failed to arrive on time and was unable to contact the pilot.

The Marines requested help from the San Diego Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol.

The sheriff's department said it received a call at 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 7 and sent a helicopter to search, but was unable to reach the area due to the storm. The department then sent specialized vehicles to navigate the rough terrain. Rescue efforts are underway.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said US President Joe Biden had been briefed on the situation: "We are monitoring this closely."

Responding to a question from the Marine Corps Times about whether any remains had been found at the crash site, Marine Corps spokeswoman Stephanie Leguizamon said officials could not provide any further updates.