Coast Guard calls off search for three people missing after aircraft Phoenix Learjet crashes off California coast
SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, CALIFORNIA: US Coast Guard has officially called off their search operation of three men, who were in an aircraft that crashed. The incident was reported from the Pacific Ocean off the Southern California coast, involving an over 24-hour continuous search and rescue operation. As per officials, no individual was found in the search and identification has not been done of the onboard personnel.
The first report of crashed Phoenix Learjet came before 8 am local time Wednesday, May 10, from the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility on San Clemente Island, confirmed the Coast Guard. US Navy owns this island, which is located about 80 miles west of San Diego. “A US Navy Phoenix Lear jet was in the area and began immediately searching the debris field. A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft and USS San Diego diverted after hearing the emergency broadcast and began searching the area as well,” read an official statement. “An MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew from Coast Guard Sector San Diego was launched and immediately vectored toward the debris field.”
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U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, @USNavy and @USCustomsandBo1 aircrews have moved into active search efforts for three people after an aircraft debris field was located 1 mile SW of San Clemente Island.
— USCG Southern California (@USCGSoCal) May 10, 2023
'Aircraft debris field was located a mile SW of San Clemente Island'
The debris field was tracked one-mile southwest of the island, and search efforts were underway on Wednesday. “US Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, @USNavy and @USCustomsandBo1 aircrews have moved into active search efforts for three people after an aircraft debris field was located one mile SW of San Clemente Island,” tweeted the US Coast Guard of Southern California, reports NBC News.
'Cause of the crash is under investigation'
The US Coast Guard spokesperson, Levi Reed, informed about the search operation had been suspended around 9 am, on Thursday, May 11. It covered 334 square miles and involved many agencies, comprising the Coast Guard, US Navy, the Air Force, and the US Customs and Border Protection. “The jet was a civilian aircraft that was contracted by the US Navy with civilian personnel aboard,” Reed said. “It took off from Point Mugu, part of the Naval Base in Ventura County, but it’s not clear where it was going.” The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.