The U.S. Navy is preparing to call off the search for two missing crew members following a helicopter crash into the Red Sea on Sunday.
The MH60S Nighthawk helicopter was preparing to land on the USS William P. Lawrence, a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, about noon local time when it reportedly slammed onto the deck and rolled over into the water.
Search and rescue efforts have failed to locate two crew members aboard the helicopter. Three others on board were rescued and reported in good condition.
While the cause of the crash is under investigation it’s believed the destroyer was buffeted by a bow wave that caused the rear deck to suddenly pitch upward as the helicopter attempted to land.
The identities of the injured and missing are being withheld by the Navy.
The William P. Lawrence is part of the USS Nimitz carrier battle group on standby in the Red Sea for potential military operations or airstrikes in Syria.
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