Two people were killed and another was in critical condition when a rescue helicopter with five people on board plunged into waters off New Taipei City in northern Taiwan on Friday afternoon.
A coastguard on board was declared dead in hospital. The pilot regained signs of life after treatment, but was later declared dead.
The co-pilot of the helicopter was in critical condition due to lung inflammation after taking in too much water, while the remaining two suffered only minor injuries.
The helicopter was exploring an oil spill from a vessel that had become stranded at about 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Coastguard and fire teams discovered all five on board -- the pilot, the co-pilot, two coast guards and a crew chief.
