Navy helicopter crashes into San Diego Bay, all 6 people on board survive

A Navy helicopter crash in the ocean off the Southern California coast happened Thursday night and all six people on board survived, military officials confirmed.

The crash site was in Coronado, officials said, a resort city on a peninsula in the bay immediately south of downtown San Diego.

According to a statement released to USA TODAY from Naval Air Station North Island spokesperson Commander Beth Teach, an MH-60R Helicopter Maritime Strike squadron 41 crashed in the San Diego Bay about 6:40 p.m.

"Due to the nature of the training, a safety boat was on location" the statement said, and all six crew members were rescued by federal firefighters.

All six aboard suffered non life-threatening injuries, officials said, and on Thursday night underwent medical evaluations.

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The cause of the crash was not immediately known and the crew members identities have not yet been released.

"An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash.” the statement said.

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What is a MH-60R?

The MH-60R Seahawk is an anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter designed for land or maritime operations from any ship, according to the Navy's website.

In addition to combat, the aircraft is used for humanitarian disaster relief and search and rescue operations. 

In late August 2021, five sailors died after a MH-60R crashed in the same waters due to a mechanical failure.

The helicopter involved in the crash was a also conducting "routine flight operations" when it crashed,

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.