Coast Guard Rescues 2 Marines After Jet Crashes Into Ocean

SAN DIEGO  — The U.S. Coast Guard has rescued the crew of a Marine Corps fighter jet that crashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.

The two Marines were plucked from the water by a rescue swimmer lowered by helicopter at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday, more than four hours after their jet went down, a Coast Guard spokesman said. They were flown to a hospital and are listed in stable condition.

An air and sea search was launched shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday when the jet was reported missing, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Henry G. Dunphy.

On Thursday morning, the crew of a Coast Guard vessel heard the Marines calling for help off the coast about 85 miles southwest of San Diego and a helicopter was called in.

The missing jet has not been recovered.