A US Coast Guard helicopter has crashed over Alaska, sparking an urgent search and rescue mission. 

The Arctic branch of the agency issued a statement just after 11am local time stating that first responders were searching an area near Sitka in the south of the state.  

‘The US Coast Guard is actively responding to a reported crash involving a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter that occurred today in Sitka, Alaska,’ the agency wrote on X. 

‘First responders and search and rescue assets are currently responding. The safety, well-being, and rescue of our crew members is our absolute, immediate priority. 

‘The cause of the incident is not yet known. A formal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event.’

It’s unclear what caused the crash and how many people were on board the helicopter. 

A US Coast Guard helicopter has crashed over Alaska, sparking an urgent search mission. The photograph above shows a US Coast Guard Helicopter in Ketchikan, Alaska, in May 2019

The Arctic branch of the agency issued a statement just after 11am local time stating that first responders were searching an area near Sitka in the south of the state

Sitka is a city-borough close to the state capital of Juneau. 

The borough is spread over several islands, including Baranof Island and part of Chichagof Island, which is part of the Alaska Panhandle. 

Meanwhile, the metro area is home to around 8,500 people, making it the fifth most populated city in Alaska. 

Spread over 2,870 square miles, Sitka is also the largest city by total area in the US.  

The Daily Mail has contacted the US Coast Guard for more information.

This is a breaking news story with updates to follow. 

Sitka is the name of both a city and borough close to the the state capital of Juneau

Sitka is the name of both a city and borough close to the the state capital of Juneau. The borough comprises several islands, including Baranof Island and part of Chichagof Island