CG suspends search for helo

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard suspended its search for two people aboard an overdue commercial helicopter that crashed in the Gulf of Mexico on Dec. 9. The crew’s last known position was 13 nautical miles west of Southwest Pass, La. CG crews searched over 4,117 square-nautical miles for about 68 hours, but were unable to find the passengers. The helicopter, owned by Panther Marine, had not reached its destination by 10:37 a.m. The passengers were transiting from one offshore platform to another but Panther Marine lost communications when they were 10 minutes from landing. (Source: Coast Guard 12/09/19)