A San Diego-based Marine who went missing after an aircraft malfunction is presumed dead.
On Thursday, the Navy announced it had called off the search for the missing air crew member.
The Navy has not released the Marine’s name but said the crew member is enlisted with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is based at Camp Pendleton.
Two pilots and two enlisted personnel were aboard the MV-22B Osprey when it took off from USS Makin Island on Wednesday in the Persian Gulf. The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff. The two air crew members jumped into the ocean when they thought they were going to crash, according to the Navy.
The pilot gained control of the plane and landed safely on the ship. One Marine was pulled from the water, but the other was never found despite an extensive search, the Navy said.
USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship, is based at Naval Base San Diego. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU deployed last July to support operations in the Middle East.
