Authorities are continuing their investigation into the plane crash that took place on the night of Sunday, January 14, in Half Moon Bay, in which two people lost their lives.
According to a statement from the San Mateo County Sheriff's OfficeOn Sunday night, authorities responded to reports of a small plane flying erratically near Moss Beach, CA., reporting that witnesses observed the aircraft before it disappeared from sight.
He said the combined efforts of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, CHP, Coastside Fire, San Mateo County Harbor District and the U.S. Coast Guard were immediately mobilized to search the area.
A Coast Guard helicopter and a CHP fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to assist.
Later in the evening, authorities said debris was found in the ocean near the shore, consistent with parts of an airplane.
On Monday morning, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services deployed approximately 30 volunteers from the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU), Drone Unit, Air Squadron, and Communications Unit to work alongside additional sworn personnel from across the office to assist in search efforts.
Unfortunately, it was during that same time that a deceased female was observed in the water by a commercial fishing vessel. The body of the deceased adult female was brought to shore and was taken to the San Mateo County Coroner's Office.
The identity of this woman is still being determined, but it is believed that she is likely connected to the plane crash, as she was located in the same location.
“We will continue to work closely with the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office and NTSB to determine the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. More updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
On Monday, the US Coast Guard announced that it had suspended the search for possible survivors.
“It is never easy to make the decision to suspend search efforts, and our deepest condolences go out to the families involved in this incident,” said Ian McGoohan, operations unit controller at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center. “We are truly grateful for the efforts of our partners assisting in the search efforts.”
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