Ocean picture via Shutterstock.

Ocean picture via Shutterstock.

Earlier today, a Navy helicopter carrying five people crashed approximately 18 miles off the coast of Norfolk, Va.

Of the five aboard, four were rescued at sea and the search for the fifth occupant continues, a release states. The helicopter, which was identified as an MH-53-E helicopter, was “conducting routine training operations” when it went down into the Atlantic Ocean. While the search for the fifth occupant in the cold waters continues, the condition of the four who were rescued is not yet available and the identities of the crew members have not yet been released.

As the search for the fifth occupant continues, an investigation as to the cause of the crash is underway. We’ll update when we learn more.

Update: One of the four rescued passengers has died as a result of his injuries, according to the Navy. A search for the missing passenger is still underway.

Update #2: The Navy confirms that a second crew member has died as a result of his injuries. The search for the fifth crew member continues.

Filed Under: navy helicopter, navy helicopter crash, norfolk, virginia,