Additional Coverage:
- Swamp may have swallowed Army vehicle with 4 missing US soldiers: Lithuanian official (abcnews.go.com)
Pabradė, Lithuania — A somber search for four U.S. Army soldiers has turned from rescue to recovery.
The soldiers, based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, disappeared Tuesday during a training exercise. Their M88 Hercules recovery vehicle was discovered submerged the following day.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene believes the heavily armored vehicle, weighing up to 70 tons, likely slid into a swampy area, potentially sinking as deep as five meters. The challenging recovery operation involves navigating a difficult mix of mud and water.
“Hundreds are working tirelessly,” Sakaliene stated, citing the combined efforts of U.S. and Lithuanian armed forces, rescue services, and private contractors. Helicopters, divers, firefighters, and specialized excavation machinery are all being utilized.
Even experienced army divers are facing difficulties due to the conditions.
The recovery process is further complicated by the presence of a high-pressure gas pipeline in the vicinity. Safety precautions, including depressurizing the pipeline and creating a secure access route for heavy equipment, have added to the time required for recovery.
Despite the obstacles, Lithuanian authorities remain committed. “American soldiers are like family,” Sakaliene affirmed, underscoring the strong bond between the two nations.
The painstaking search for the soldiers continues.