CLOSE CALL

WATCH: Pilots Eject Out of Navy Jet Seconds Before Crash

Two service members narrowly escaped death, when their aircraft nose dived—investigation pending.

Two service members ejected from a Navy aircraft mere seconds before it crashed into the San Diego Bay on Wednesday morning, based on a video taken by a witness, NBC reported. According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler with the two pilots on board smashed into the waters near Shelter Island around 10:15 a.m.—both pilots safely survived the crash. They were saved by a H&M Landing charter fishing boat that witnessed the entire incident. “As all of our crews are trained in lifesaving efforts, immediately came about, turned around picked up both pilots that were in the water,” Company General Manager Frank Ursitti told NBC San Diego. “And as they were boarding the pilots on the water, [the captain] observed the plane actually ditch into San Diego Bay.” The servicemen were taken to the University of California San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center, where they are reportedly in “good condition” and under 24-hour medical observation, the U.S. Navy said in a Wednesday evening update. The jet was assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, which is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. “The aircraft remains submerged, and response teams are actively assessing the scene,” a U.S. Navy spokesperson told NBC of the wreckage. “Environmental and safety teams are working to mitigate any potential impacts. There are no reports of civilian injuries or damage at this time.”