The vehicle involved in a fatal Marine Corps training accident on Thursday, as well as human remains, have been found.
The military branch announced the discoveries on Tuesday after the incident last week, during which an amphibious assault vehicle sunk off the coast of San Clemente Island, California, took the lives of eight Marines and one sailor.
When the vehicle was identified, the Navy’s Undersea Rescue Command found human remains onboard by using a remotely operated video system.
“The Navy has expedited the movement of assets to recover the remains of the Marines and Sailor,” a statement added.
Officials with the @15thMEUOfficial and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) positively identified on Aug. 3 the location of the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) that sunk off the coast of San Clemente Island on July 30.
— I MEF (@1stMEF) August 4, 2020
“Undersea Rescue Command is humbled to have worked alongside the Navy, USMC, and Coast Guard to locate our Marine Corps and Navy brethren,” said Cmdr Josh Powers, CO of URC. “Our sincerest prayers and sympathies remain with their families, friends and fellow Marines and Sailors.”
— I MEF (@1stMEF) August 4, 2020
Sixteen service members were onboard when the incident took place, and its cause is still under investigation. The service members who lost their lives ranged from age 19 to 23. Two other Marines were injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of eight Marines and one Sailor during a training exercise off the coast of California,” President Trump wrote in a statement on Twitter Tuesday. “Our prayers are with their families. I thank them for the brave service their loved ones gave to our Nation. #SemperFidelis.”
I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of eight Marines and one Sailor during a training exercise off the coast of California. Our prayers are with their families. I thank them for the brave service their loved ones gave to our Nation. #SemperFidelis
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2020
