A military jet crashed into San Diego Bay near Shelter Island on Wednesday, but the two crew members aboard were rescued, authorities said.
Rescue crews responded around 10:15 a.m. to reports that a plane crashed into the water, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The pilot and radar operator were rescued by a civilian fishing boat, the Premiere, according to Onscene.Media.
The crew members aboard the NAS Whidbey Island-based jet ejected from the aircraft before it went down, according to Navy public affairs.
A total of 60 personnel were assigned to the crash, according to the department.
The military confirmed that two service members were on board, both of whom have been transported to UC San Diego Medical Center, the agency said.
A Navy spokesperson told ABC 10News that the aircraft was an E/A-18G Growler, which is an electronic warfare plane.
The extent of the crew members’ injuries has not been disclosed.
Leaking jet fuel from the aircraft necessitated the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality to issue a water contact closure for Lawrence St. in Point Loma at the Kellogg Beach Shoreline.
“Beach goers are advised that the ocean water may contain chemicals and may cause illness,” a department-issued statement said. “Ocean waters will remain closed until sampling and field observations confirm these areas are safe for water contact.”
City News Service contributed to this report.
Updated at 2:33 p.m. Feb. 12, 2025, with new details throughout.
