The search for the missing U.S. soldier in Lithuania continued throughout the night. The soldier was in an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle along with three colleagues when it sank in a swamp.
On Monday, authorities confirmed that the bodies of three missing American soldiers had been recovered from the swamp near the Pabradė training ground along with the sunken vehicle. However, the search for the fourth serviceman is still ongoing.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė stated that rescuers are doing everything possible to locate the missing American soldier.
“Every effort will be made in this treacherous swamp to ensure that we have checked every section,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Lithuanian Army Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras explained that the search is being conducted under extremely difficult conditions.
“We are using surface scanning, sonar, and both Lithuanian and American divers. The conditions are extremely challenging—there is complete darkness underwater, and the silt is very dense. If we don’t get results by morning, we will move to other methods,” he noted.
Rescuers are working in shifts, as both divers and equipment require recovery time after each dive.
Military personnel have reported that the water contains a high concentration of petroleum products, which corrode protective masks and suits. Additionally, the thick silt creates strong pressure, making prolonged underwater operations extremely difficult.
