Search for Missing Marine from Hingham Called Off

OAHU, HI - After five days, the search for 12 Marines, including one from Hingham has been called off.

Tuesday afternoon, the Coast Guard suspended the search for the Marines, who went missing after two helicopters collided Thursday night near the north shore of Oahu, according to the New York Times.

Among the missing was 23-year-old Cpl. Christopher J. Orlando of Hingham.

Capt. James Jenkins, the chief of staff and acting commander of the Coast Guard District 14, cited a range of data for calling off the search.

So far, four of the helicopters liferafts have been recovered along with some debris.

A memorial is being planned for Friday at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Last 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.

Search and rescue crews covered 36,000 square miles during 115 searches.

Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts State Police