Three of four U.S. soldiers reported missing after their military vehicle sank in a Lithuanian bog during a training exercise have been recovered, along with the submerged vehicle, officials announced. Search efforts continue for the fourth service member.
The soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, were conducting a maintenance mission on March 25 to recover another U.S. vehicle in a Lithuanian training area when their M88 Hercules—a nearly 70-ton recovery vehicle—became trapped. The vehicle was located the following morning, but challenging conditions delayed its extraction.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed profound grief, stating the fallen soldiers were “a part of our family” and vowing to continue efforts “until everyone is home.” He thanked U.S., Lithuanian, and Polish military personnel, along with Lithuanian civilian agencies, for their relentless round-the-clock recovery work.
Identities of the soldiers remain withheld pending family notification.
The multinational operation involved hundreds of personnel and significant resources, underscoring the complexity of retrieving the massive vehicle from the bog. Lithuanian authorities played a critical role in coordinating the response.
The incident highlights the inherent risks of military training exercises, even during non-combat operations. Investigations into the cause are likely underway, though details have not yet been disclosed.
