Three US soldiers found dead after vehicle recovery in Lithuania

WASHINGTON — Three US soldiers were found dead in Lithuania after their armored recovery vehicle was retrieved from a swamp, while a search continues for a fourth missing soldier, the US Army Europe and Africa announced Monday.

The soldiers, part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing on March 25 during a mission to tow a disabled tactical vehicle.

Their M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle, weighing 63 tons, was discovered submerged the next day.

A multinational search and recovery operation involving US, Lithuanian, and Polish forces, along with US Navy divers, successfully extracted the vehicle. However, the search remains active for the last missing soldier.

“The search isn’t finished until everyone is home,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division.

“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time.”

The US Army confirmed that NATO has also provided support to the ongoing efforts. Joint investigations by US and Lithuanian authorities are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

“We offer our deepest sympathy to the soldiers, families, friends and the 1st Armored Division,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, commending the intensive six-day recovery operation by military and civilian teams.

President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy from the White House, saying the recovery vehicle was “massively heavy” and may have slipped into the water due to collapsing terrain and icy conditions at night. “Three are no longer with us, and one is unfortunately probably in the same category,” Trump said.

US forces frequently participate in joint training exercises with NATO allies in Lithuania, where the incident occurred near Pabrade, northeast of Vilnius. — Agencies