Search crews have found the wreckage of a U.S. Marine helicopter that disappeared earlier this week while on an earthquake relief mission.
Based on the condition of the aircraft, it appears there were no survivors according to the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force.
U.S. personnel reached the site but due to the difficult terrain, below freezing temperatures, lightning and thunderstorms, Lt. Gen John Wissler said he called off recovery efforts for the evening. They will resume the search at first light.
“They were courageous, they were selfless individuals committed to the relief mission,” Lt. Gen Wissler said. “We are deeply saddened.”
On the chopper were six Marines and two Nepalese army soldiers. The UH-1Y Huey is part of a Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, which is part of the 3rd Marine Air Wing based at Camp Pendleton.
Nepal's defense secretary says, "The wreckage of the helicopter was found in pieces and there are no chances of any survivors." He says the victims' remains were charred.
Wissler could not confirm the number of victims in the wreckage or the identies of those onboard.
Local
The U.S. military joint task force in Okinawa, Japan, says the wreckage was found today about 15 miles from the town of Charikot, near where the aircraft was delivering humanitarian aid to villages hit by two deadly earthquakes.
The UH-1Y Huey lost communication at about 9 a.m. PT Tuesday. No distress call went out.
It's not clear where Marines on the helicopter are based because they are currently attached to a different command.
The father of the 31-year-old pilot, Capt. Chris Norgren, said Marine officials have notified the family that the wreckage was found but haven't confirmed the identities of any bodies.
Ronald Norgren said Friday that "it doesn't look good."
Speaking in Washington, President Barack Obama expressed condolences to the families of all the victims and said the Marines "represent a truth that guides our work around the world: When our friends are in need, America helps."
Wissler said that while the U.S. Marines mourn the tragic passing of our service members and the Nepalese, they also recognize the Nepalese people have suffered the loss of thousands of their citizens.
Officials said no restriction was placed on the airspace at the scene of the crash.
A this time, they cannot indicate factors that caused helicopter crash in Nepal, but vow that they "will determine cause of mishap."
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