A tragic plane crash off California’s central coast claimed the lives of three Monterey County residents on Saturday night. The twin-engine Beechcraft BE55, carrying three passengers, crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 200-300 yards off Point Pinos, Monterey, around 10:55 p.m. PDT, shortly after departing from San Carlos Airport at 10:11 p.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search-and-rescue operation, supported by local law enforcement and fire agencies. Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft’s engine revving followed by a splash, with debris, including oxygen tanks and a seat, washing ashore. A Cal Fire drone located the fuselage before 6 a.m. Sunday, enabling the recovery of the first body at 3:01 a.m., followed by the remaining two at 6:31 a.m. and 9:08 a.m. The search, covering 346 miles across a 100-square-mile area, concluded after 13 hours.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas, James Vincent, 36, and Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44, both of Monterey. The families expressed gratitude for community support and requested privacy.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.