Search Continues for Missing Marine from Hingham

Rescue crews in Hawaii are continuing to search for 12 Marines involved in a helicopter collision.

The Coast Guard told NBC News that searchers have covered over 5,000 square nautical miles.

Thursday night, two CH-053 Super Stallion helicopters collided while flying three miles off the northern coast of Oahu. One witness said they saw a large fireball in the sky.

The helicopters had 12 Marines on board, including 23-year-old Hingham native USMC Corporal Christopher Orlando.

“We would like to thank everyone who continues to pray and send their expressions of concern and love for the safe return of United States Marine Corps Corporal Christopher Orlando and his fellow Marines,” a statement from the Orlando family read. “We are blessed with great love and support from family and friends. We continue to monitor the ongoing search effort in Hawaii and are thankful for the hard work of the many federal and local heroes undertaking this search and rescue mission.”

Saturday, the search area was expanded to an area from Kahuku to Waianae, extending the search area to eight miles to sea.

Photo Credit: Massachusetts State Police