Picture Courtesy: USNI news

The US 3rd fleet said on Saturday that 5 Navy sailors were killed after they disappeared following a helicopter crash on Tuesday off the California coast. The MH-60S helicopter crashed about 60 miles off the coast of San Diego while the sailors were conducting a routine operation. One crew member was rescued.

The rescue effort was conducted fro more than 72 hours, but on Saturday the Navy shifted the operation from search and rescue to recovery.

The names and other details of the sailors who lost their lives were not released bye the Navy. That information will not be released until 24 hours after the next of kin of the respective sailors has been notified.

Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of five Sailors and those injured following the MH-60S helicopter tragedy off the coast of Southern California. We stand alongside their families, loved ones, and shipmates who grieve.”

The cause of the crash has not yet been identified and the investigation is still in progress.

News Source: CNN