Ongoing Search for Missing US Soldiers in Lithuania as Recovery Efforts Intensify

Pabrade, Lithuania – March 30, 2025

U.S. Navy divers are diligently working through challenging conditions in a flooded bog in Lithuania to locate four missing American soldiers from the Army, after their armored recovery vehicle became submerged. The M88A2 Hercules vehicle is trapped approximately 15 feet below water and sludge, complicating the recovery mission.

Recovery Efforts Underway

The situation became critical when the vehicle went off course during a training exercise near the city of Pabrade early on Tuesday morning. The U.S. Army Europe and Africa reported that the vehicle has continued to sink deeper into the bog, making the recovery efforts increasingly difficult.

Navy dive teams commenced operations on Saturday night, utilizing specialized equipment to swim and excavate toward the submerged vehicle. "We are faced with not only difficult terrain but also the heavy weight of the vehicle, which is about 70 tons," said Brigadier General John Lloyd, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division. These factors contribute to the complexity of the operation.

Enhanced Support and Resources

In addition to Navy divers, personnel from the Army’s 21st Theater Sustainment Command, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, are deploying a specialized ramping system to improve access to the recovery site. This equipment is aimed at stabilizing the area and facilitating the use of heavier machinery.

Significant collaboration has unfolded at the site, with hundreds of Lithuanian and Polish military personnel contributing manpower and equipment to support the recovery effort. Since the vehicle's entrapment, these allied forces have been working tirelessly to assist in the operation.

Missing Soldiers Still in Focus

All four missing soldiers belong to the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Armored Brigade. Although the situation is dire, Army officials have not declared the soldiers deceased; they are still classified as missing.

The recovery operation includes high-powered dredging systems, water pumps, and the construction of berms to contain water and enable safe access for emergency personnel. This comprehensive approach aims to clear the area surrounding the submerged vehicle of mud and excess water.

Acknowledging Support from Allies

Colonel Jim Armstrong, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, expressed gratitude for the support from allied forces. "We cannot thank our Allies enough for everything they’ve done for us to help find our soldiers," he stated. "They see our Soldiers as their own Soldiers, and we are absolutely in this together."

Families of the missing soldiers are receiving regular updates regarding recovery efforts from the 3rd Infantry Division, as the search continues with the hope of a positive outcome.

Conclusion

As U.S. personnel and their allies work tirelessly to recover the submerged vehicle and locate the four missing soldiers, the situation remains dynamic and challenging due to the harsh conditions at the site. The commitment of the military and the bonds among allied forces are evident as they navigate this difficult operation.