The Israeli Air Force (IAF) detailed in a late Monday statement that a Muscov patrol officer suffered moderate injuries and is being treated at Rambam Hospital. Resuscitation efforts were made on the two pilots aboard the aircraft, but they ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
The helicopter was taking part in a training exercise, according to the military service, which did not offer specifics on the cause of the crash. The IAF is launching an investigation into the accident.
Video footage of the incident surfaced on social media shortly after reports first emerged of the development, capturing first responders arriving on the scene.
The search-and-rescue teams from the Israel Defense Forces’ Unit 669 had been dispatched to rescue the crew. Videos show flares were launched over the coastal waters to assist in the rescue mission.
Unconfirmed footage has emerged purportedly showing the exact moment that the bat-type chopper struck the water.
What is believed to be parts of the helicopter have since washed ashore and collected by some passersby.
The helicopter model was described as a Eurocopter Panther, called the "bat". The helicopter is utilized in a wide variety of military roles, from combat assault to medical evacuations. The Israel Navy currently operates seven Eurocopters.
Amid the ongoing investigation into the crash, Major General Amikam Nurkin, the commander of the IAF, has ordered the grounding of the "bat" array of helicopters and the halting of training flights in the IAF.