Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
SAN DIEGO — A group of Utahns witnessed the military jet crash in the San Diego Bay on Wednesday, and they were on a private fishing boat that rescued the two service members involved.
Eyewitness accounts
"I thought it was just routine. And then all of a sudden, I saw flames coming out the back and two orange parachutes ejected," Carol Gonzales told San Diego NBC affiliate KNSD.
Gonzales said she watched as a nearby Navy EA-18G Growler took off and almost immediately showed signs of distress.
Gonzales was on a charter fishing boat with a group of co-workers from a Utah-based company, Trace Minerals, for a team-building trip.
After the two service members ejected, Gonzales said the jet kept flying upward before nose-diving into the ocean.
The rescue
According to witnesses, the boat's captain quickly turned it around to assist the ejected service members.
"It was really cool. You could see them hug each other after they got on board and making sure one another was safe and good, but they were in shock," said Conner Palmer, another Utahn on the boat.
The jet eventually nose-dived into the ocean, less than an eighth of a mile from the boat, causing a massive explosion of water and sand.
"It seemed like you were watching a 'Star Wars' movie. It just comes crashing down straight in the water," Palmer said.
Despite the dramatic crash, the crew expressed relief that the incident was not more serious.
"I feel like if we would've left the dock a couple of minutes sooner we could've been right under it," Gonzales said. "I do feel pretty blessed that … we could walk away and tell the story."
It seemed like you were watching a 'Star Wars' movie. It just comes crashing down straight in the water.
–Conner Palmer
Palmer echoed her sentiments, marveling at the fact that nobody in the bay or onshore was harmed.
"I mean, it was a miracle nobody — either in the bay or on shore — is hit at all," Palmer said.
The Utahns also expressed their gratitude for the fishing boat's crew and captain, part of H & M Landing.
"It's not an everyday occurrence but they handled it very well," Gonzales said. "Kudos to this crew."
Wednesday evening Navy officials said that both aviators were in good condition but would be monitored for 24 hours out of an abundance of caution, according to KNSD.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
