A source on the scene when a Boeing 737-800 aircraft carrying 143 people skidded off the runway and into the St. Johns River has confirmed that one dog and two cats were on board.
The source said that the status of those three animals cannot be determined until the plane is pulled out of the river.
The Naval Air Station posted an update around 3:30 a.m. stating the pets had not been retrieved due to "safety issues."
"Our hearts and prayers go out to those pet owners during this terrible incident," the updated stated.
During a news conference hours after the accident, NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Mike Conner said the cabin of the plane was never under water. The rescuers who were first on the scene encountered people on the wings of the plane which landed in shallow water. The passengers were escorted to safety.
