SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Emergency crews are responding to reports of a military plane that crashed into the San Diego Bay near Shelter Island, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Wednesday.
According to SDFD, the incident happened around 10:16 a.m. near 1561 Shelter Island Dr., close to the Kona Kai San Diego Resort and other neighboring businesses.
Military personnel have confirmed only two pilots were on the plane at the time. Authorities say both pilots on the plane have been rescued and were transported to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest.
A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson told FOX 5/KUSI both pilots were able to safely eject and were rescued by a fishing vessel after being in the water for just one minute.
The pilots were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations small boat that happened to be on scene when the crash happened, the spokesperson added.
A U.S. Navy spokesperson stated the type of plane was an EA-18G Growler, not an F-18 as some previous reports speculated.
Oil was observed seeping into the water of the San Diego Bay as crews attempted to recover the remains of the plane.
A FOX 5/KUSI crew is at the scene. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
