A military aircraft, identified as a fighter jet, crashed into San Diego Bay near Shelter Island on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:15 PM local time, prompting immediate search and rescue operations. The two pilots onboard successfully ejected and were later rescued by a nearby maritime vessel. The pilots were reported to be in a stable condition following their rescue. Eyewitnesses described the scene as dramatic, with one onlooker stating, ‘It was really scary to see. You never expect something like this to happen right in front of you.’ The aircraft, part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet, is currently resting submerged in the bay, with efforts underway to recover it. The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which officials described as a ‘serious incident’. The area surrounding the crash site has been cordoned off, with local authorities urging boaters to steer clear of the zone during the recovery process. No civilian injuries were reported, although the crash raised concerns among nearby residents about military flight safety protocols. Local Congressman Scott Peters released a statement regarding the incident, saying, ‘I am grateful that both pilots are safe and that there were no injuries to anyone else. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.’ The Navy is expected to provide more detailed information as the investigation progresses.
Military Aircraft Crashes into San Diego Bay, Two Pilots Rescued
