The search is on for six individuals after their plane, a twin-engine Cessna 414, was reported to have crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Point Loma yesterday. A multi-agency effort, led by the Coast Guard, is scouring the waters to locate the passengers of the downed aircraft, with initial reports of the incident reaching the Joint Harbor Operations Center in San Diego at approximately 12:45 PM. According to details released by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cessna 414 had six people on board when it went down about three miles west of the coastal landmark.
Rescue units, including Coast Guard Air Station Ventura MH-60 Jayhawk, Sea Otter crews, and San Diego Harbor Police boat crews, have been deployed in the response. Despite the concerted efforts, none of the six people reported to be on board have been found as of the latest updates. The National Transportation Safety Board spearheads an inquiry into the crash, and individuals seeking information on the search efforts are directed to contact the Coast Guard through the provided email.
FlightAware, a flight tracking service, indicated that the ill-fated Cessna 414 took off from San Diego International Airport at 12:24 PM yesterday, destined for Phoenix, Arizona. Its flight was abruptly terminated over the ocean, with the last known position just west of Point Loma. Officials have reported that the ocean depth in the region is about 200 feet, a challenge that the search and rescue teams are up against as they continue their search.
On the scene, two helicopters and three boats are actively searching the area, with additional assistance from Customs & Border Protection Air & Marine Operations crews. An official told CBS 8 that San Diego Harbor Police had aided with sonar technology to help pinpoint the area of the crash, and an oil sheen, along with some debris, was located by San Diego Lifeguards. This initial debris recovery has since been handed over to the Coast Guard for further analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
