The US navy has admitted to losing a $60 million fighter jet after it fell off an aircraft carrier into the Red Sea.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is said to have toppled overboard when the USS Harry S Truman made a sharp turn to evade an attack by Houthi rebels in the Middle East.

A sailor is said to have sustained a minor injury during the incident.

A US official told CNN that the aircraft, which are valued at around $60 million, had sunk. It is currently unclear whether authorities intend to mount a recovery effort.

“The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,” the US navy said in a statement.

“Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is under way.”