Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by CCAR Staff
Divers working for several emergency response agencies have expanded their search area off the San Pedro Harbor for any survivors following a mid-air collision involving two light aircraft Friday afternoon.
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jonathan McCormick said the Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that a mid-air collision took place near the Point Fermin Lighthouse, and two separate tail identification numbers were recovered.
Responders did not know how many passengers were involved in the crash, and the multi-agency search was ongoing as of about 9 p.m. Friday.
The report of the crash came in at 3:28 p.m.
Coast Guard officials said in a statement late Friday the search area had been expanded to 200 square miles. The Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin and Coast Guard Cutter Narwahl were being used in the search.
Several agencies responded to the scene, including Los Angeles County fire, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and the Long Beach Fire and Police departments.
The crew of a fishing boat reported a plane hitting the water, an official with the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Lifeguards Division said. The initial report indicated it was a single-engine plane in about 80 feet of water roughly 2 miles off the coast of Cabrillo Beach.
Firefighters deployed a dive team in the area of a debris field, said Capt. Mark Miller of the Long Beach Fire Department. The size or model of the planes was not yet known. Officials did not release the plane identification numbers.
Rescuers were searching for survivors.
The air space is known as a practice area for pilots, officials said.
Phillip Sanfield, a spokesman for the Port of Los Angeles, said the Angels Gate entrance to the port will be closed until further notice. The closure is not affecting port operations, however, because vessels are able to enter or exit the harbor via the Queens Gate entrance, off the Long Beach shoreline.
Port of Los Angeles police divers are assisting the search team.
