Two Hostage Rescue Agents Fell 75 Feet To The Ocean During Training Exercise

Two FBI Hostage Rescue Team members were fatally injured Friday when they fell from rappelling ropes during a helicopter training exercise. The accident occurred about 10 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA, according to a report appearing in USA Today.

An official not authorized to speak to the media told reporters that the two were participating in a helicopter-to-ship transfer on the rappelling lines when the aircraft experienced an unspecified problem. Christopher Lorek, 41, and Stephen Shaw, 40, fell from the ropes about 75 feet before impacting the water.

There were an undisclosed number of people on board the helicopter at the time of the accident. The aircraft reportedly landed safely shortly after the two men fell, and there were no other injuries reported. Officials said that weather conditions at the time of the accident are being studied.

The two are the third and fourth members of the unit to be fatally injured in training exercises, and the first since 2006. "We mourn the loss of two brave and courageous men," FBI Director Robert Mueller said in a written statement. "Like all who serve on the Hostage Rescue Team, they accept the highest risk each and every day, when training and on operational missions, to keep our nation safe."

FMI: www.fbi.gov