The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a search for three people aboard a Navy aircraft that crashed off the California coast this week.
The Phoenix Learjet was carrying three people when it plunged into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, about a mile southwest of San Clemente Island, which is west of San Diego and owned by the U.S. Navy.
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“Suspending search efforts is one of the hardest decisions to be made, but after aggressively searching the area around San Clemente Island for more than 24 hours using land, air and surface assets with negative results, the decision was made to suspend the active search until further information or developments occur,” said Capt. Jim Spitler, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
A U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutter. The Coast Guard suspended a search Thursday for three people in a downed aircraft off the Southern California Coast. (U.S. Coast Guard, File)
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing passengers,” he added.
The Learjet was contracted by the U.S. Navy and took off from Point Mugu Naval Air Station. The Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and U.S. Customs and Border Protection all participated in search efforts, which combined 334 square miles.
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Another Phoenix Learjet searching for survivors found debris one mile southwest of San Clemente Island.
