Searchers have found the bodies of five Marines who were aboard a U.S. Marine helicopter when it crashed in a mountainous region east of San Diego, authorities said Thursday.
It's not known where the bodies were discovered. Recovery efforts have begun and an investigation into the crash is underway.
The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Their names will not be released until 24 hours after their families are notified.
The CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy-lift helicopter, was flying from Nevada to California when contact was lost at about 11:30 p.m. local time Tuesday, Marine Corps officials said.