4:15 p.m. PST │ Update 6
NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, San Diego - Members of Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-8, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three (EODMU-3), conducted salvage and recovery operations this week and will continue operations through the weekend and next week for the EA-18G Growler that crashed in San Diego Bay on Feb. 12.
Navy Divers, Sailors, and partners have made significant progress on the salvage efforts including recovering over 16,000 lbs. of wreckage across the 13,000 square-foot debris field. Previous estimates suggesting the recovery operation may take approximately two weeks from the Feb. 16 start date remain accurate and on plan.
"Our top priority is a careful and thorough recovery that safeguards the well-being of all involved - residents, servicemembers, and our valued partners," said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "I could not be prouder of the tireless efforts of our Navy Divers and the greater team supporting the salvage. The Navy calls San Diego home, and we appreciate the community's patience as we work diligently to recover the wreckage, mitigate environmental effects, and restore normal operations in the channel as swiftly and safely as possible."
Civilian vessels will not be permitted to transit in and out of the Shelter Island basin through the southwestern portion of the channel until the conclusion of salvage operations. Please reference the below chart, which provides a visual display of the impacted area.
The Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone for navigable waters in the vicinity of Naval Base Point Loma and Shelter Island in San Diego Bay. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the crash. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector San Diego.
The public may notice heavy equipment near the Shelter Island harbor entrance as recovery operations continue. Individuals are asked to stay clear of floating cranes, barges, and other recovery vessels in the area and avoid interfering with ongoing recovery efforts.
