(CNN) Two naval aviators have been declared dead after their FA-18 fighter jet crashed off the coast of Key West, Florida, on Wednesday around 4:30 p.m., the US Navy announced on Twitter. “Search and rescue were alerted at 4:37 p.m. and were on the scene by 4:40 p.m.”

“Search and rescue efforts recovered the pilot and the weapons system officer who were aboard the aircraft,” said Hecht. The aviators -- one pilot and one weapons systems officer -- ejected from the twin-engine jet, which crashed around 4:30 p.m. on final approach to Boca Chica Field at Naval Air Station Key West, the Navy said in a statement.
Two U.S. Navy aviators – a pilot and a weapons officer – are killed after they eject from their FA-18 fighter jet, which crashes into the sea off Key West, Florida.