Coast Guard investigating crash of 2 Marine aircraft

The Coast Guard is searching for survivors after a pair of U.S. Marine helicopters collided off the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu late Thursday.

{mosads}Searchers have reported finding a fire and debris field along with an empty raft, according to reports. Twelve people were evenly divided between the two aircrafts.

Helicopter and rescue boat crews from the Navy and Honolulu Fire Department are helping the Coast Guard, according to reports.

The Marine Corps tweeted shortly before noon Eastern Time on Friday that the Marines remained unaccounted for as the Coast Guard searched for the two CH-53 transport helicopters.

The aircraft were from Marine Corps Base Hawaii. A message posted to the base’s Facebook page urged the public not pick up any debris that washes ashore.

Officials said the helicopters collided just before midnight Thursday, according to The Associated Press.

—Last updated at 12:17 p.m.