Missing helicopter traced, whereabouts of missing Marines unknown

A US Marine helicopter that went missing Tuesday carrying five people was found near the mountain community of Pine Valley outside San Diego California however, there was no trace of those on board, according to US Marine Wednesday.

Authorities involved in the rescue mission said that deteriorating weather condition is restricting their access to the ground.

A CH-53E Super Stallion went missing on Tuesday as they were conducting a training flight to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

According to the Marine officials, the missing Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 — a part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based in Miramar.

A Marine Corps spokesperson told the BBC that more information would be forthcoming about the status of the five Marines who were on the flight from Las Vegas to Miramar.

Authorities said that rescue firefighters were sent after the location was traced.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement: "Rescuers were using ground and aviation assets to locate the aircrew in coordination with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and multiple federal, state and local agencies."

The incident occurred as the area is witnessing heavy rain and snowfall in mountainous regions.

The helicopter is generally used for transport purposes and carries central importance in the aviation activities of the Marines. It was first added to the service in 1981. It has the capability of Carrying 37 people.

Lt. Matthew Carpenter said: “The San Diego County Sheriff's Department was notified at 1am that the craft was overdue for arrival at Miramar and was last seen in the area of Pine Valley, a mountainous region near the Cleveland National Forest about 35 miles [56 kilometers] east of downtown San Diego.”

"The military was coordinating search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Calfire said on X — Twitter.

Heavy snow falling Wednesday in the sparsely populated mountains covered in pine trees and thick brush was making access to the area challenging, the Cal Fire said.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the missing Marines, according to the White House.

"We're watching this closely and again our thoughts are for the best," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said.