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Update January 15, 2014-- The remains of Lt. Snyder have been recovered, the Navy announced.
January 9, 2014 (Santee) – Lt. Sean Christopher Snyder, 39, of Santee has been identified by the U.S. Navy as the pilot who remains missing after a Sea Dragon helicopter crash off the Virginia coast on Wednesday.
Two other crew members died and two more were hospitalized. After the wreckage was found by a dive and salvage team, a formal search has been suspended, though the cutter Shearwater remains at the scene.
Snyder family members expressed gratitude to all who participated in the rescue efforts, according to a statement issued by the Navy, which further states,“At this time, our hearts and prayers are for Sean’s recovery, the other families who have suffered loss, and for the health of the hospitalized sailors. Lieutenant Sean Snyder is a decorated pilot, a man of honor, dedicated husband, and father, who is proud and grateful for his privilege to serve his country in the United States Navy.The family has a deep faith and trust in God and from him they have found their hope and peace. The Snyder’s are extremely grateful for the love and support they have received from their friends and their community. They truly appreciate your continued prayers.”
The Navy Times reports that the search lasted 30 hours and covered more than 500 miles.
The two confirmed fatalities are Lt. Wesley Van Dorn, 29, or Greensboro, North Carolina and Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class Brian Collins, 25, of Truckee, California.
Of the two injured crew members, whose names have not been disclosed, one has been released while the other remains at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in stable condition.
The crew was conducting mine countermeasure operations when the crash occurred, Captain Todd Flannery, head of the Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic told the Navy Times. Cause of the crash is not yet known but will be compared to causes of other Sea Dragon accidents. Flannery called the MH-53E Sea Dragon a “workhorse” and said he is not aware of any plans to ground similar helicopters in the fleet.
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