A medical evacuation helicopter crashed into the ocean approximately 10 miles off the coast of Catalina Island on Friday, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

The Bell 407 helicopter, operated by Island Express Helicopters, was en route to John Wayne Airport in Orange County when it went down around 10:05 a.m. Pacific Time. The aircraft was carrying a patient, a medical crew, and the pilot.

Authorities confirmed that four individuals were rescued from the water and transported to local hospitals. Their conditions have not been released. A search is ongoing for the fifth person on board, whose identity has not been disclosed. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with local law enforcement and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, responded to the scene.

Island Express Helicopters is a company that provides charter services, including medical transport, to and from Catalina Island, a popular tourist destination located about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

This incident raises concerns about the safety of air travel to and from the island, which is often a critical lifeline for emergency medical services. The company has a history of operating flights between the mainland and Catalina Island, which lacks extensive medical facilities.

Officials have not yet speculated on the cause of the crash, but investigators will examine factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot actions. The NTSB is expected to release preliminary findings after an initial assessment of the wreckage and witness accounts.

The search for the missing individual is being conducted by air and sea, with multiple vessels and aircraft involved. The difficult ocean conditions and the depth of the water present significant challenges for the rescue teams.

Further details will be released as they become available from the ongoing investigation and rescue efforts.