Two pilots were rescued after a military fighter jet crashed into the San Diego Bay Wednesday morning, officials said, as dramatic video showed the plane falling at high speed into the water.
A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler with two people on board went down near Shelter Island around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Video captured by witnesses showed the jet appeared to nosedive at high speed into the water.
The aircraft was assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, which is based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, NBC San Diego reported.
Both pilots had ejected safely before the crash, a San Diego Coast Guard spokesperson said.
A H&M Landing charter fishing boat saw the pilots eject and the plane crash, and pulled the service members out of the water. Company General Manager Frank Ursitti said the captain of the Premier boat saw the ordeal and turned the vessel to help.
“As all of our crews are trained in lifesaving efforts, immediately came about, turned around picked up both pilots that were in the water,” Ursitti told NBC San Diego. “And as they were boarding the pilots on the water, [the captain] observed the plane actually ditch into San Diego Bay.”
From there, they were picked up by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vessel, according to the Coast Guard.
The pilots were transported to University of California San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center. The two aircrew members were said to be in “good condition” and under 24-hour medical observation “out of an abundance of caution,” the U.S. Navy said in a Wednesday evening update.
The wreckage of the aircraft was found and a containment boom was placed around the crash site “to minimize the spread of fuel and debris,” according to the Navy.
“The aircraft remains submerged, and response teams are actively assessing the scene,” a U.S. Navy spokesperson said. “Environmental and safety teams are working to mitigate any potential impacts. There are no reports of civilian injuries or damage at this time.”
It’s not clear what led to the crash and an investigation is underway.
Heather Ault and her husband Brian witnessed the crash from their dining room window, and recalled the plane’s engine being so loud in its fast descent that it shook the house.
“It was terrifying,” she told NBC San Diego. “I could see the underside of the plane. It looked like it just nose-dived straight into the water.”
The Navy warned the public not to touch or collect any debris that may wash ashore and if any debris is found, it should be reported to local authorities or Naval Base Coronado.
The EA-18G Growler has “the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack” and is “the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” according to the Navy. It features sensors and weapons that make it “lethal,” with systems to counter threats.
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