A Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft plunged into San Diego Bay on Wednesday morning, prompting a rapid emergency response. Both pilots successfully ejected before the crash and were transported to a nearby hospital.
The incident occurred around 10:40 AM near Shelter Island, as confirmed by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The area where the aircraft went down is located across from Naval Air Station North Island, a major Navy installation with aircraft facilities.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, which was shrouded in heavy fog. Multiple rescue boats patrolled the waters as part of the recovery operation. Radio communications indicated that crews were working to contain a substantial fuel spill from the crashed aircraft.
The EA-18G Growler is a specialized electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Local authorities and military officials continue to monitor the situation and manage the environmental impact of the fuel spill in the bay. Further details about the pilots' conditions and the aircraft recovery plans are expected to be released as the investigation proceeds.