RAF Lossiemouth Crash: Moray Firth rescue mission downgraded
RAF Lossiemouth Crash: Moray Firth rescue mission downgraded Reuters

Two crewmen have been rescued after two RAF Tornado jets crashed into the North Sea, according to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

The aircraft, which each hold a navigator and a pilot, came down in the Moray Firth, off the east coast of Scotland.

The RNLI said the pair plucked from the water have been flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. Two people are still missing.

Buckie and Wick lifeboats were launched as part of the search and rescue operation, along with an RAF helicopter.

It is thought that the two planes may have collided in mid-air.

There are reports only one aircraft could be seen in the water.

About 15 lifeboat volunteers joined the rescue operation in three boats after reports that two jets came down about 25 miles south of Wick.

The Ministry of Defence said: "The RAF are aware of an incident involving two Tornado GR4 aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth in the Moray Firth.

"The incident is being investigated and more information will be provided when available."

A RNLI spokesman said: "The report was from the coastguard that two planes were missing. We are currently waiting to hear back. We have been told there is thick fog in the area."

The RAF operates Tornado GR4's from two bases - RAF Lossiemouth, in Moray, Scotland and RAF Marham, Norfolk.

The Tornados are two-seaters and described as "all weather attack aircraft" capable of low-level supersonic flight.

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