12 May 2023 , 17:13
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Three people have died after a jet crashed off the coast during a US Navy training exercise.
The victims were named as Eric Tatman, Spencer Geerlings and Shane Garner who all worked for Georgia-based Phoenix Air.
The three died when the Phoenix Air Learjet 36 went down roughly one-mile southwest San Clemente Island, California, officials have said.
San Clemente Island is owned and managed by the Navy.
There were two Phoenix Air Learjets taking part in a military training exercise, Phoenix Air said.
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The other jet landed safely.
Coast Guard along with Customs and Border Protection crews located debris in the water. So far it is unclear if the victims were found.
A Phoenix Learjet, similar to the one missingThe National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, and U.S. Department of Defense have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
On thursday morning US Coast Guard spokesman Levi Read said: “We’ve been searching all day and all night” using helicopters and boats.
The plane took off the Point Mugu naval facility on the mainland. Both aircraft were flying in a military restricted area, Phoenix Air has said.
Capt. Jim Spitler, sector commander for the USCG in San Diego, said: "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.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing passengers."
Phoenix Air have said it is fully cooperating in the investigations.
Phoenix Air is a private company that operates government and military contracts.