Helicopter crash off of South Padra Island
February 06, 2008 11:07 PM
Officials said that the two paramedics are Michael Sanchez of Harlingen and Raul Garica, 38, of Weslaco.
Coast Guard Lt. 1st Grade Ben Sparacin said today that the helicopter is lying on its back in about three feet of water just east of Holly Beach in the Laguna Vista area.
The sheriff said the helicopter left Harlingen and was en route to pick up a patient on the Island. But the helicopter was unable to land and was heading back when officials lost contact with the craft.
The Coast Guard received the report of a down helicopter at approximately 9:50 p.m. and located the wreckage at approximately 11:00 p.m.
The crash site was determined to be approximately 2.5 miles west of the South Padre Island Convention Centre, Lucio said.
