3 Coast Guardsmen lost in helicopter crash off Washington

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Posted by: Christopher Lagan

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter during open water training. (U.S. Coast Guard file photo by PA1 Kurt Fredrickson)

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter during open water training. (U.S. Coast Guard file photo by PA1 Kurt Fredrickson)

Post updated with quote from 17th Coast Guard District commanding officer.

Earlier this afternoon, Rear Admiral Gary Blore, Commander of the Thirteenth Coast Guard District, announced the deaths of three Coast Guardsmen after their helicopter crashed in the waters near James Island, Wash.

“The current status of the crew members are: one crew member is at the hospital here in Seattle having sustained non-life-threatening injuries; tragically, the other three crew members have been declared deceased,” said Blore. “We are currently still in the recovery phase of operations. Once completed, the aircraft will be salvaged from the water.”

At this time, the names of the air crew and condition of the injured crewman are being withheld pending next of kin notifications. An investigation will follow the salvaging of the aircraft.

Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters flying in formation in this file photo. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Kurt Fredrickson)

Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters flying in formation in this file photo. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Kurt Fredrickson)

CG 6017 was departing Air Station Astoria, Oregon, en route to Air Station Sitka, Alaska, when the Coast Guard lost contact with the helicopter. A good Samaritan retrieved two crew members and turned them over to emergency medical services while search and rescue crews were deployed by the Coast Guard. The U.S. Navy, National Park Service, Quileute Nation and Canadian Air Force all participated in the response.

“I grieve with a heavy heart at the news of the death of three members of our Coast Guard family,” said Rear Admiral Christopher Colvin, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District. “May friends and our Coast Guardsmen around the country bring strength and comfort to the families and crew of Air Station Sitka during this difficult time. My first priority is to ensure the family and members of Air Station Sitka are provided the support needed to endure this tragedy.”

Below is a list of news releases from the Coast Guard on the crash. We will update this list as new information is available:

17th Coast Guard District public Affairs: Update 2: Coast Guard responds to helicopter crash off of James Island, Wash.

13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs: UPDATE #2: U.S. Coast Guard responds to helicopter crash off of James Island, Wash.

13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs: UPDATE #1: U.S. Coast Guard responds to helicopter crash off of James Island, Wash.

13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs: U.S. Coast Guard responds to helicopter crash off of James Island, Wash.

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  • John Rogers, USCGAux

    Oh no…NOT AGAIN??!!!! My prayers go out for all of you!!

  • AMTC K. Lloyd

    My deepest sympathy to those involved. Aviation can be dangerous if we let it, please keep situational awareness in your mind in all that you do, whether at work or at home. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends, Coasties are great people. SP. AMTC

  • cmcfarland

    We’re terrifically proud of them, and we should be reminding all we know of their sacrifice and their successes. They deserved to live long lives and to pull off the most amazing rescues ever seen, it’s a damn shame they won’t get to, a damn shame they suffered and their families are suffering.

    It is almost impossible to explain the pull to do this work. Too often we don’t explain the attraction to it. We should explain it, because I’m sure the departed would want more people to know and understand it, the work, because it would explain who they were.

  • Jason Shaffer

    Today is a sad day for Sitka and the United States Coast Guard. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the friends and family of USCG 6017.

  • JLohr

    Prayers for the comrades, families, and friends today.

  • Buck Owens

    The whole of the Coast Guard stands beside our shipmates on the 6017.

  • Chuck McCall

    May thier souls and all the souls of the faithfull departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace and bring loving peace to those they leave behind

    Chuck McCall
    FC-091-18-11

    WE ARE GUARDIANS!

  • Ivan G.

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families….I fly with the CG aircrews in my current job and have the upmost respect for all of the aircrews….. God Bless their souls…

  • Leigh Ann Vreeland

    I am a Coastie Mom and my heart is breaking for the families of our lost Guardians.

    Hopefully, with time, they will find comfort in knowing the pride their loved ones had in performing their duties to help protect us all.

    Semper Paratus

  • Ron Wilkinson

    To the family & friends of the crew on USCG6017,
    our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    USCG Vet

  • Delila Perkins

    My son just became a Guardian, and my heart goes out to the families. May God be with you during this hard time, and may the peace of knowing your Guardians were doing their duty will ease your pain.
    Semper Paratus.

  • Chad C. Hamann

    My prayers go out to the families and friends of the aircrew of CG6017. May God’s grace and mercy be with you all.

    Respectfully,
    Chad C. Hamann, MKC

  • BAD

    I am new to the Coastie world, my son being new to it as well. I feel so sad for the families and friends of these crewmen. You are part of a large, wonderful military family; find strength in that family! My heart and prayers go out to all touched by this tragedy!!
    SEMPER PARATUS

  • Rick Spencer (Bosn)

    Being a retired MLB Surfman I have always had the upmost respect for the aviation community. They are all heros to me. My deepest sorrow, my thoughts and prayers goes out to the families. My the Lord comfort.

  • Chris Reynolds

    I would like to extend the deepest sympathies of all in the Irish Coast Guard to the families of the lost crewmen and their friends and colleagues in the USCG.

    Chris Reynolds
    Director
    Irish Coast Guard

  • TJ Kelly

    To the family and friends of the USCG Crew. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hold your heads high in the memory of those men that so bravely serve our country. God Bless TJ Kelly/Alaska

  • BM3 C. Mackey

    R.I.P crew 0f 6017 may god let you have fair winds and following seas and to the family members also you will be missed and never forgotten

  • Lori Plakos

    I’m in the Auxiliary at the 9W district. I would like to express my condolences, to the family, friends and the 13th district for this tragedy.
    Semper Paratus

  • Stephen Berniche

    Every time this happens, old wounds re-open. The sense of loss of our comrades is so painful and heavy. To all those who knew these crewman, know that their lives were lived well and they died in a noble profession. Remember them fondly.

    Stephen Berniche, USCG (ret)

  • WILLIAM RIVERS

    OUR prayers go out to the families and friends of the aircrew of CG6017 GOD’S SPEED

    FSO-VE/RBSPV RIVERS
    USCG/AUX 7-17-11
    ORLANDO FL

  • Sue Pradetto

    I am so saddened to hear of this tragic loss. My heart goes out to the families and friends of this horrible accident! I am such a new Coastie Mom but feel such a strong connection to these families. We are all thinking about you at this time and always.

  • Ted E. Davis (USCG_RET)

    It has been a tough year for US. My prayers will be for those left behind.. Our business is risky at best and we all feel some of the pain. CG6017 RIP. It is a noble profession !! As I train new coasties here at TRACEN Petaluma, CG6017 is forever retired from my scenario’s.

  • Steven Williams

    A final flight west is one in which we must all take…..God Speed, Fair Winds and Following Seas to our lost shipmates of CG6017. These guardians made the ultimate sacrifice to lay thier life down for others…Semper Paratus

    BM3 Steven E. Williams, USCGR

  • Karl Kuster

    May God’s peace, and love, compass all the families of CG6017.Their honor and devotion to duty is an example to us all that follow the Guardians Creed. God bless coasties and there families everywhere.

  • VED

    Former USCG flyer and I loved the job. My heart goes out to my fellow Coasties at CGAS Sitka. The units are small and much more like family then units I served in the USN. So Others May Live…..Godspeed 6017.

  • Athena Orlando

    It is hard to believe that we have lost ANOTHER aircraft in a little over 18 months.
    My thoughts and prayers are with the Aircrew of CG6017. I know my husband (CG C-130 pilot) is thinking of everyone as well. We also hope the recovering airman makes a full, speedy recovery.
    Lt. Mark G. Orlando & Athena Orlando

  • robert sacks AMC ret

    My thoughts go out to the families and crewmates of the flt crew lost. Its been 13 years since retiring and any aircraft mishap always hits close to home.

    Robert sacks AMC, ret

  • A. Wright, PO2

    My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of CG6017 and to all of AIRSTA Sitka. Fair winds and following seas to our three lost shipmates. R.I.P.

  • Michael Lynn, USCG Ret

    With much regret and extreme sorrow another group of gallant Coasties cross the Bar.

    Many have gone before us, and sadly others will pass as well. But, we are a group of God Fearing souls, Water Warriors who wish for one thing and one thing only ~ Save Lives

    May God grace their souls and the families left behind. Our charge now is to watch over their familes, always protecting them.

    Michael Lynn
    Past VFC, USCGA
    CCGD 8 CR 5-7

  • D. Mac McCoach

    RIP to our lost coasties of the CG6017. My sincere condolences to their families.
    Respectfully,
    D. Mac McCoach
    USCG ENG4 (Ret.)

  • Ronald Robertson

    The only words I can think of are “SEMPER PARATUS”
    God be with their families and comrades.
    Ronald Robertson,FSO/VE
    Flot 2-6
    8th District, Western Rivers

  • Bob Goley, USCGAux

    God bless the families of those who died and quicken the healing of the survivor and all of the families. Pray for all who put others first at great risk to themselves.

  • Donald Blankenship USCGC DALLAS

    God Bless the families of CG 6017, you are all in my family and I’s prayers…Know that they are smiling down on you for all eternity…

  • Barry Deshamp

    My families prayers go out to the families of the CG6017. God Bless!

  • Cindy Lyman

    What a tragic loss for the family, the friends, the loved ones, the service, and this country of these 3 fine individuals. The gift of freedom that they have worked so hard to defend and protect will never be forgotten. May God’s perfect Peace be upon you all.
    Cindy and John Lyman
    Petrolia, Humboldt Co., CA

  • noreen sweeney

    life is for living, these people lived for their country….
    The Coast Guard volunteers from Achill Island, Co.Mayo, Ireland, express their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives………………
    and a healthy recovery to the survivor!

  • Donnchadh Mac Cobb

    Our thoughts are with the families of these brave souls at this time.

    Ar dheis Dé go raibh siad
    (May they be at God’s right hand)

    Donnchadh Mac Cobb
    Irish Coast Guard
    Howth Unit

  • C Rykens

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected. Prayers for a speedy recovery for the survivor, as well. Their actions were certainly courageous.
    I must also say how comforted I am that many of Ireland’s CG has come on here to show their support for our fallen guardians and the USCG. As a coastie sister and of Irish heritage; it is touching that we have the support of a country such as Ireland in time of need. No matter how big or small your country may be, your hearts and actions show far more.
    May God Keep You and Bless You All.

    Richard & Christina Rykens

  • Sharyn Mee

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this tragic time.

    Sharyn Mee
    Irish Coast Guard
    Drogheda Unit

  • Robert L. Jones Sr

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the lost coastguardsmen. I am retired army, but in times like these we are all brothers in sorrow. Death in the line of duty is truly the last full measure of devotion to a nation. God speed their souls to the distant shore of heaven, and may His love comfort those in mourning. Robert L. Jones SR SSG US Army retired

  • Jason Bonham, LTJG

    My prayers go out to the families of our lost shipmates.

  • CMD D.S.Taylor (Ret) Peggy & Samuel

    Air Station Sitka was our last tour with the USCG. We are in Sitka now during this tragedy. Our hearts cry out for you. The USCG is an elite group of people and we all feel the loss of any member as our own family. We send our deepest sympathy to all.
    Blessings & Love. The Taylors.

  • Tom and Joyce Krueger

    Our heartfelt prayers are with all of the family and friends of
    USCG 6017. May God’s peace and His love comfort you now and always
    is our prayer. We appreciate your service to your Country and to
    our awesome God! You have a special place in our hearts and our
    forever hero list! Let’s please remember that prayer makes a
    difference for our families and our friends! Numbers 6:24-27 to all.
    May God bless you and the U.S.A.
    Sincerely,
    Tom and Joyce Krueger,Minnesota

  • Sunday Faulkner Evans

    My sincerest condolences to the families of these American Heroes. Prayers for each of you as well as the lone survivor. My oldest brother perished in the USCGC Blackthorn tragedy off the coast of Florida in 1980. I pray all of your questions are answered and you can all find peace in your heart and lives after this terrible tragedy. Your loved ones have Crossed The Bar and I can guarantee they were met with open arms by those who went before them. The Coastie Guardians were there to greet your loved ones. I offer my personal thank you for their service to our Country protecting our freedoms and for giving the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you all.

  • Paul Jensen – St George, UT

    Just learned of this tragedy. My friend Brett Banks was one of the fallen. God bless him, his mates and their families. Brett was my neighbor when he was growing up in Green River, Wyoming. He was friends with my sons. He was an Eagle Scout in my scout troop. He rose to any challenge and always completed difficult tasks in a superb manner. He will be missed. It’s true that the good do die young.
    Following seas my Coastie friend and neighbor. See you on the other side.