Four U.S. soldiers have been found dead in a Lithuanian peat bog after their armored recovery vehicle sank during a training exercise, concluding a desperate search.
Quick Takes
- The M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle became submerged while on a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle at a training ground in Pabradė, Lithuania.
- After a six-day recovery effort, the vehicle was pulled from 15 feet of water, revealing three deceased soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
- A fourth U.S. soldier was found separately on Tuesday.
- The soldiers were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, with the NATO ally hosting U.S. troops since 2014.
- Advanced technology including specialized drone systems with ground-penetrating radar was utilized in the search effort.
Tragic Training Accident Claims Three American Lives
In a devastating incident that has shocked military communities on both sides of the Atlantic, four U.S. Army soldiers lost their lives when their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a treacherous peat bog in Lithuania. The tragedy occurred at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė while the crew was attempting to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle. What should have been a routine recovery mission quickly turned catastrophic as the heavy vehicle sank in the unstable terrain, trapping the soldiers inside.
The soldiers were members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve – a mission that began in 2014 to demonstrate continued U.S. commitment to NATO after Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has been an important strategic partner in maintaining security along the alliance’s eastern flank. The incident has prompted an extensive investigation by both U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities to determine the exact cause of this tragic accident.
Today, I was informed that the remains of the fourth and final missing U.S. Army Soldier from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were recovered in Lithuania. I want to personally extend my deepest condolences to the families of all four fallen Soldiers.…
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 1, 2025
Massive Recovery Operation
The recovery effort grew into a substantial multinational operation involving hundreds of soldiers and law enforcement personnel from multiple countries. After the vehicle was located in approximately 15 feet of water, U.S. Navy divers worked under extremely challenging conditions to attach cables to the submerged vehicle. Additional heavy dozers were then brought in, and after six days of intensive work, the vehicle was successfully pulled ashore.
The operation drew significant resources from multiple partners, highlighting the close military cooperation between the United States and its NATO allies. Lithuanian military helicopters and aircraft provided aerial support, while Polish Armed Forces contributed equipment and personnel. The recovery involved not only military assets but also Lithuanian government agencies and civilian organizations, all working tirelessly to recover the soldiers and their vehicle from the treacherous bog.
Search Concludes for Fourth Soldier
While three soldiers had initially been recovered with the vehicle on Monday, the search for the fourth missing service member continued until the soldier was found on Tuesday. Specialized assets were deployed, including Estonian recovery dogs flown in from Tallinn specifically for this mission. The dogs, along with their handlers, were positioned in U.S. Navy Rigid Inflatable Boats to detect any trace scents below the water’s surface. Their specialized training makes them invaluable assets in this challenging environment where visibility is severely limited.
In addition to the canine units, the search team employed cutting-edge technology, including specialized drone systems equipped with ground-penetrating radar to scan the area. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll emphasized the military’s unwavering commitment to finding the missing soldier, stating firmly that they “will not rest until the fourth and final Soldier is found and brought home.” This sentiment was also echoed by Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, who described the missing soldiers as family members, not just servicemembers.
A Military Family in Mourning
“The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers — they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home,” said 3rd Infantry Division Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie.
As the investigation continues and the search concludes, the military community stands united in its determination to bring closure to this tragic incident. The accident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by U.S. service members, even during training exercises far from combat zones.
