Four U.S. soldiers have been found dead in a Lithuanian peat bog after their armored recovery vehicle sank during a training exercise, ending a desperate search involving advanced technology and specially-trained dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Four U.S. soldiers were found dead after their M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle became submerged in a Lithuanian peat bog.
- The soldiers belonged to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division deployed to Lithuania for Operation Atlantic Resolve.
- The recovery effort involved a six-day operation to extract the vehicle from 15 feet of water using U.S. Navy divers and heavy equipment.
- Lithuanian and Estonian police dogs with specialized training assisted in the search, along with drone systems equipped with ground-penetrating radar.
- The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the tragic accident.
Tragic Training Exercise Turns Fatal
The incident occurred at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė, Lithuania, where the soldiers were operating an M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle. Their mission was to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle when disaster struck. The massive recovery vehicle, weighing approximately 70 tons, became submerged in a peat bog, trapping the American soldiers inside. The vehicle was eventually located in 15 feet of water but required an extensive six-day recovery operation to extract it from the dangerous terrain.
This tragic incident involved members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has hosted U.S. troops since 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, highlighting the strategic importance of the mission these soldiers were undertaking. The extensive recovery operation involved hundreds of military personnel and required specialized equipment from multiple allied nations, demonstrating the complex nature of the incident.
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
Multinational Recovery Efforts
The recovery operation has showcased remarkable international cooperation between NATO allies. U.S. Navy divers worked in extremely challenging conditions to attach cables to the submerged vehicle before additional heavy dozers successfully pulled it ashore. The vehicle was finally extracted after days of painstaking work. The collaborative effort involved resources from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Polish Armed Forces, and other Lithuanian government and civilian agencies.
With the vehicle recovered and three soldiers confirmed deceased on Monday, the operation shifted focus to locating the fourth missing soldier who was found on Tuesday. The intensive search has been expanded to include specialized resources and unique capabilities designed to operate in the challenging swamp environment.
Specialized Search Techniques Deployed
Lithuanian Armed Forces police working dogs began assisting in the search immediately, with NATO ally Estonia providing additional support by sending two recovery dogs along with their handlers from Tallinn. These specially-trained canines were positioned in U.S. Navy Rigid Inflatable Boats to detect trace scents below the water’s surface – a specialized technique for underwater recovery operations. The search effort also incorporated advanced technology, including specialized drone systems equipped with ground-penetrating radar to scan areas that were inaccessible to human searchers.
Military leadership has expressed both grief for the fallen soldiers. Meanwhile, both U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the accident’s cause to understand what led to this tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Solemn Commitment
The loss has deeply affected the military community, particularly within the 3rd Infantry Division. Leaders have acknowledged the profound impact of losing these soldiers while emphasizing the military’s dedication to completing the recovery mission. The soldiers were not just military personnel but integral members of what military leaders describe as their extended family, making the tragedy particularly painful for those who served alongside them.
As the search concludes, military officials have praised the tireless efforts of all personnel involved in the recovery operation. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks service members face even during training exercises.
