Rescue boat crews respond to fatal crash of US Navy aircraft off Chincoteague, Virginia

Search and rescue (SAR) boat crews and divers from numerous fire and rescue departments in the US states of Maryland and Virginia have deployed in response to a deadly crash of a US Navy aircraft with three people on board.

The SAR boats were deployed to the waters near Wallops Island and Chincoteague in Virginia following the crash of an E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft in that same area on Wednesday, March 30.

Navy officials said the aircraft, which was based out of Norfolk, impacted the water just off Wallops Island at approximately 19:30 local time on Wednesday.

Two of the aircraft’s crewmembers were rescued by Maryland State Police. The survivors were later transported to Wallops Island for follow-on medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Tragically, the third crewmember was found deceased inside the aircraft by divers from the Worcester County Fire Department of Maryland.

The navy said the incident is under investigation, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.