The U.S. Coast Guard reports one person dead, but two rescued, after a helicopter went down in the Gulf of Mexico off of Morgan City.
"Coast Guard District Eight watchstanders received a call at 6:35 p.m. from Westwind Helicopter Inc. personnel confirming a company helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Mexico with three people aboard," according to a USCG news release.
Coast Guard dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from New Orleans to the scene and diverted an HC-144 Ocean Sentry turboprop airplane out of Mobile to assist.
The oil rig crew boat Captain Ron reported two survivors in a life raft.
The Jayhawk crew hoisted the pair into the helicopter and took them to University Medical Center in New Orleans, where they are reportedly in critical condition.
The body of the third person on board the helicopter was found in the submerged aircraft.
"We're grateful we were able to save two crewmembers but saddened from the loss of the third," said Lt. Cmdr. Sean DiGeorge, a District Eight search and rescue mission coordinator. "We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to the crewmembers' family and friends during this difficult time."
