A training exercise in Lithuania turned tragic after a U.S. Army recovery vehicle was submerged in a swamp, killing four American soldiers and prompting a week-long international search.
At a Glance
- Four U.S. soldiers died after an M88 Hercules armored vehicle sank in a Lithuanian peat bog during a training mission.
- The incident occurred at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė, Lithuania.
- The soldiers were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
- Search and recovery involved U.S., Lithuanian, Estonian, and Polish forces using advanced equipment and military dogs.
- U.S. and Lithuanian officials are investigating the cause of the accident.
Tragic Incident During NATO Operation
Four U.S. Army soldiers were killed when their M88 Hercules recovery vehicle sank in a peat bog during a NATO training exercise in Lithuania. The soldiers, deployed as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, were conducting vehicle recovery operations in the remote terrain of Pabradė when the vehicle became fully submerged.
The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Their mission was to assist a disabled military vehicle, but the ground gave way beneath the M88, trapping all four inside. The tragedy was first confirmed by U.S. Army Europe and Africa, which immediately launched search and rescue efforts.
Watch video coverage of the recovery operation
Multi-National Recovery Operation
The search for the missing soldiers and recovery of the submerged vehicle involved a coordinated effort from U.S., Lithuanian, Polish, and Estonian military forces. U.S. Navy divers attached cables to the sunken vehicle, which was recovered from approximately 15 feet of water.
As reported by Fox News, Estonian search dogs named Tilt and Maik were deployed along with Lithuanian military dogs and handlers. The final soldier’s remains were recovered on April 1, six days after the initial incident.
“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m.,” said Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė. “The towing operation is complete, and investigators are continuing their work.”
Condolences and Ongoing Investigation
Major General Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, paid tribute to the fallen troops: “The soldiers we have lost were not just service members — they were part of our family. We stand in grief with their loved ones.”
Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll echoed the sentiment, stating, “We will not rest until the fourth and final soldier is found and brought home.” This promise was fulfilled with the final recovery on April 1.
U.S. and Lithuanian officials have launched a joint investigation into the accident to determine how the vehicle came to be trapped and what safety failures may have occurred. Initial reports suggest the soft, swampy terrain may not have been fully evaluated for vehicular safety.
Remembering the Fallen
This tragedy highlights the dangers U.S. service members face even during peacetime operations. The soldiers were participating in a multinational training initiative designed to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and enhance interoperability among allied forces.
Their loss is being felt across the international military community, with tributes pouring in from both American and European leaders. As the investigation proceeds, the memory of the fallen soldiers stands as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those in uniform.
