Authorities Recover Navy Helicopter After Crash In San Diego Bay

SAN DIEGO, CA — Military personnel and contract workers pulled a U.S. Navy helicopter out of the water this weekend after it crashed Thursday during a training exercise in San Diego Bay.

All crew members survived the crash and have been released from the hospital.

The MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 was pulled from the bay Saturday afternoon, according to multiple media reports that cited the U.S. Navy.

The salvage effort reportedly lasted almost 10 hours. The damaged aircraft was taken to Naval Base Coronado by barge and offloaded onto the pier.

The helicopter plummeted in the bay shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday near Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Beth Teach told reporters.

Authorities said the crew members were inside the helicopter when it entered the water.

Members of the Federal Fire Department San Diego rescued the downed crew members and took them to safety, Teach told the San Diego-Union Tribune.

"I am immensely proud of the teamwork and determination shown by our sailors and civilians throughout the recovery," said Capt. Newt McKissick, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, according to Fox5. "Most importantly, I am grateful the crew is safe, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who swiftly and effectively accomplished this significant task."

— City News Service