The five crew members missing since a helicopter crashed in the Pacific Ocean off California on Monday have died, the US Navy said.
A sixth sailor had been saved.
"The Navy declares the deaths of the five crew members missing in the crash of the MH-60 helicopter," she said in a statement.
Admiral Mike Gilday, who commands naval operations, said he was "deeply saddened".
"We stand with their families, loved ones and shipmates who mourn their disappearance," he added.
The aircraft on board the USS Abraham Lincoln was performing a "routine flight", just over a hundred kilometers from the coast of San Diego during the accident, which occurred Monday afternoon.
"An investigation is underway" to understand the reasons for the accident, the US Navy said.
A sailor in "stable condition"
Search and rescue operations have been deployed since Monday with multiple air and sea assets, the armed forces said. In particular, five helicopters were dispatched to the site. Out of respect for families and in accordance with Navy policy, the identity of the sailors will not be disclosed immediately, she said. The sailor who was rescued is said to be in "stable condition", several US media reported.
