A military fighter jet crashed into San Diego Harbor on Wednesday, with both pilots successfully ejecting.
The incident involved an EA-18G Growler electronic jet, which crashed into the water at approximately 10.15 am, according to The War Zone.
The aircraft descended into the waters near Shelter Island, situated opposite Naval Air Station North Island, as confirmed by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Several vessels were observed conducting rescue operations in the area. The facility is dedicated to Navy aircraft operations.
The two pilots were transported to a local hospital, with their injury status currently unknown, New York Post reported.
A harbour official was recorded saying via radio: “We saw it take off and it landed over there in the water next to harbor police over there.” Another responder reported: “We’re at the site and we’re recovering two parachutes.”
Reports indicated a significant fuel leak from the accident, which response teams worked to control.
The aircraft remains submerged whilst numerous response vessels continue to monitor the area, as shown in live footage.
A charter fishing vessel that witnessed the pilots’ ejection retrieved both crew members, NBC San Diego confirmed. The pilots were alert during their rescue. Local security cameras seemingly recorded the incident, showing the aircraft descending almost vertically before vanishing from view behind a structure.
A major military air exercise was ongoing in Southern California at the time, though any connection to the incident remains unconfirmed.
The Navy has operated these dual-pilot aircraft globally for 15 years.
“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” states the Navy’s official description.
This incident follows other recent military accidents, including a January collision between a US Army helicopter and an American Airlines aircraft near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 casualties.
