Camp Pendleton-Based Marines Missing In Nepal
WASHINGTON (CBSLA.com/AP) — U.S. officials say a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter providing assistance in the wake of the Nepal earthquake is missing.
Navy Capt. Chris Sims says the Huey was conducting disaster relief operations near Charikot, Nepal, on Tuesday.
The aircraft is part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, which is based out of Camp Pendleton, according to a Marine Corps Air Station Miramar spokesman.
U.S. officials would not say how many people were on board the helicopter, but CBS News reported six Marines and two Nepalese were aboard the Huey helicopter.
U.S. Army Col. Steve Warren says a helicopter from India that was nearby heard radio chatter about a possible fuel problem. He says the Huey had dropped off supplies in one location and was on its way to a second site when contact was lost.
Warren says officials hope the aircraft is simply missing, because there's been no smoke or other signs of a crash.
The incident is under investigation.
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