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Navy fighter jet crashes into San Diego Bay
A Navy EA-18G Growler crashed Wednesday into San Diego Bay. Two pilots on board were taken to the hospital. (Credit: KGTV)
A U.S. Navy electronic-warfare aircraft crashed into San Diego Bay near Naval Air Station North Island on Wednesday, sending two service members to the hospital.
The Navy confirmed there were two pilots onboard the Boeing EA-18G Growler, and both were rescued.
San Diego Fire Department officials confirmed the crash was reported near Shelter Island just after 10:16 a.m. local time.
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A Boeing EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego Bay on Wednesday morning. (X / @SanDiegoWebCam)
The Coast Guard San Diego Office confirmed to Fox News that the pilots were rescued by a fishing vessel. They were then transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations.
The fishing company, H&M Landing, provided a statement to Fox News Digital claiming the aircraft experienced a “mechanical failure.”
“At approximately 10:15, the two pilots ejected from their aircraft after experiencing a mechanical failure,” according to the statement. “Moments later, the aircraft crashed into the bay. The Premier, which was in the immediate vicinity, swiftly responded to the emergency.”
Both pilots were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel. (X / @SanDiegoWebCam)
The company said after seeing the pilots eject, the crew sped toward the pilots, before they even hit the water.
The fishing boat safely recovered the aviators and provided immediate assistance, according to H&M Landing.
“We are relieved and grateful to have had one of our vessels in the right place at the right time,” said Frank Ursitti, H&M Landing general manager. “Captain Brandon Viets and the crew of the Premier acted swiftly, and thanks to their professionalism, were able to bring these pilots to safety.”
The pilots were in the water for about a minute, the Coast Guard said.
The pilots were in the water for about one minute, according to the Coast Guard. (KGTV)
Fire officials sent 60 personnel to the scene, including two fire trucks, a foam truck, five engines, a helicopter, two boats and a lifeguard river team.
Both pilots were taken to a local hospital and were said to be in stable condition, according to the Coast Guard.
A Navy official told Fox News Digital it is unclear if a distress signal was sent out prior to the crash, and the pilots have not yet been identified.
The wreckage remains in the water, the Coast Guard said.
A Navy official told Fox News Digital it is unclear if a distress signal was sent out prior to the crash. (KFMB)
H&M Landing said it is fully cooperating with the Navy and local authorities as they work to determine the cause of the crash.
According to Boeing, the EA-18G Growler is an advanced airborne electronic attack aircraft. It provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and allies around the world.
The fighter jet is estimated to cost $67 million, according to the Navy.
The wreck comes after a recent string of fatal plane crashes across the country.
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An Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with a commercial passenger plane near Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29, killing 67 people.
Just days later, a medical ambulance plane transporting a young girl who had just received life-saving treatment crashed on a street near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
All six passengers were killed, along with one person who was on the ground.
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Most recently, a private jet owned by Vince Neil, the lead singer of Mötley Crüe, was involved in a fatal crash Monday afternoon at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona.
Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.