Marine Jet Crashes in Pacific Ocean; Coast Guard Rescues Crew

Coast Guard crews rescued two Marines on Thursday morning after their F/A-18 Hornet jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean some 85 miles southwest of San Diego off the Mexico coast, according to the Coast Guard.

Both Marines were stabilized and transported to a San Diego medical facility after spending some four hours in the water following the crash, City News Service reported.

Two F/A-18 Hornets based at Miramar were flying about 60 nautical miles south of Point Loma at about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday when communications with one of the pilots suddenly ended, Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer 2nd Class Henry Dunphy told City News Service.

The second pilot called in, saying he spotted debris in the water, City News Service reported. 

Coast Guard, Navy and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing units were dispatched in the search after communication with the aircrew was lost, according to the Coast Guard.

After being notified of the missing aircraft, Coast Guard cutters Edisto and Morgenthau, a C-130 Hercules aircraft and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter were launched to recover the survivors.  

The Jayhawk's aircrew maneuvered into position and a rescue swimmer helped the Marines into a harness, which hoisted them into the helicopter, according to Coast Guard officials.

The incident is under investigation, according to 3rd MAW officials.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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