Two pilots were rescued after a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego Bay on Wednesday (February 12) morning. The incident occurred near Shelter Island around 10:15 a.m., as reported by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Witnesses captured dramatic video showing the jet nosediving at high speed into the water.
Both pilots eject safely before the crash. A charter fishing boat from H&M Landing, captained by the Premier boat, quickly responded, rescuing the pilots from the water.
“As all of our crews are trained in lifesaving efforts, immediately came about, turned around picked up both pilots that were in the water,” said Frank Ursitti, the company’s general manager.
Following their rescue, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vessel transported the pilots to the University of California San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center. Both were reported to be in “good condition” and are under 24-hour medical observation as a precaution, according to the U.S. Navy.
The crash site was secured with a containment boom to minimize the spread of fuel and debris. The aircraft remains submerged, and response teams are actively assessing the scene. The Navy has warned the public not to touch or collect any debris that may wash ashore and to report any findings to local authorities or Naval Base Coronado.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway.
The EA-18G Growler is equipped with advanced technology for airborne electronic attack and serves as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments.
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