BEAUFORT, SC - Two Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort appear to be ok tonight after their plane goes down in the waters off the South Carolina coast.
A spokesman says the dual-seat Marine F/A-18D Hornet attached to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, impacted the ocean approximately 35 miles off of the coast of St. Helena Sound, S.C. at 5:17 p.m. Wednesday night.
Authorities say two parachutes were spotted, indicating that the pilots had ejected.
The Marine pilot and Weapons Systems Officer ejected safely and were recovered thanks to a quick response by a Coast Guard search and rescue unit out of Charleston.
The pilot and WSO were forced to eject following dual engine loss during the flight home after performing routine training over the ocean.
Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Christopher P. Evanson says neither pilot needed to be hospitalized.
Both aviators are being evaluated by medical personnel.
An internal investigation will be conducted to determine the specific cause of the mishap.
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