PORT ANGELES — A Coast Guard helicopter crew cut a training mission short after they were targeted by a personal laser near Port Angeles.
The Coast Guard is investigating.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was airborne when a laser was shined at the helicopter at about 6:30 p.m. Monday, the Coast Guard said in a press release issued Tuesday.
The crew aborted the mission and return immediately to Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles, where they landed safely.
No injuries were reported, but all crew members were grounded until they were cleared by medical personnel as laser strikes can cause permanent eye damage, the Coast Guard said.
During nighttime missions, laser beams also can cause temporary loss of night vision, glaring and flash blindness, putting the crew members’ lives in jeopardy, the Coast Guard said.
“The public should report this type of incident to local law enforcement,” said Lt. Cmdr. Greg Lynch, a helicopter pilot at the Port Angeles Air Station Port Angeles.
“A laser can be just as dangerous as shooting a gun in bringing down an aircraft and crew,” he said.
“Unless they are held accountable, offenders may never learn that their actions are extremely dangerous and illegal.”
Coast Guard personnel are working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.
Anyone with possible information regarding the incident is asked to contact Coast Guard investigators at 360-417-5823.
