The two pilots were picked up by a fishing boat that was on the scene after a Navy fighter plane crash occurred in San Diego Harbor.
A Navy official identified the plane as an EA-18G Growler – a variant F/A-18F Super Hornet – and said it was flying with low visibility when it crashed around 10:17 am near Naval Air Station North Island, which is home to Naval Base Coronado. Two pilots were all that was aboard.
Investigating the cause of this crash, which was recorded on video.
CBS News reported that both pilots safely ejected from the aircraft. The only passengers were the two pilots. The crew of a fishing boat, the Premier, immediately started searching for the parachutes. H&M Landing owns the vessel and said that the crew of the Premier saw the pilots even before they hit the water.
Captain Brandon Viets said, “Thanks to my crew, we were able swing by, pick them up, and safely get them from the water.” Viets was reported by the Associated Press to have 12 passengers aboard his fishing boat.
Officials said that because of the Premier’s rapid arrival, the pilots spent only a few minutes in water with a temperature of 50 degrees.
Frank Ursitti said, “We’re relieved and grateful that one of our vessels was in the right spot at the right moment,” in a CBS News statement. “Captain Brandon Viets, the crew, and H&M Landing were quick to act and, thanks to their professionalism and swift action, they managed to save these pilots.”
A small U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations vessel, which had been at the scene of the incident, met the fishing boat. The pilots who were rescued and subsequently transported to a local hospital for evaluation, were evaluated. Officials said that both are in stable conditions. A Navy spokesperson stated that they are being monitored by a doctor 24 hours a day out of an abundance caution.
A Navy spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft was still submerged at the bottom of the harbor as of Thursday morning. Response teams were actively assessing the situation. Police said that the wreckage created a large debris field. Crews set up containment barriers in the bay as quickly as possible to filter debris including oil and gas that could have been leaking from the plane.
CBS News reported that “anytime there is an aircraft accident, like this one, there’s a bit of concern over the maritime environment impact.” Lt. Daniel Moen of the San Diego Harbor Police Department said.
Public has been warned not to touch, collect or approach any debris which may wash up on the shore. Report any suspected debris to the authorities.
