WASHINGTON – US and Lithuanian troops and authorities are struggling to drain the Lithuanian marsh with continued efforts to recover four American soldiers who went missing three days ago. The soldier’s armored vehicle was found to be submerged in 15 feet of water, and so far the team was unable to enter or pull out.
US Army Europe and Africa said on Friday that cranes, large capacity pumps and more than 30 tons of gravel would be brought in to drain water, excavate mud and help pull the M88 Hercules out of the marsh. They warn that this will be a long operation.
In a statement, the Army said the area around the site is “incredibly wet and wetlands and does not support the weight of equipment required to retrieve the 70 tonnes of vehicle without significant engineering improvements. It is slow and difficult to discharge the area due to groundwater penetration.”
Four soldiers whose identities have not been disclosed went missing early Tuesday while they were on a mission to retrieve another Army vehicle while training the unit. Hercules was discovered Wednesday and the team has been working to put out the vehicle ever since.
The soldiers are part of the 1st Brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division. The US Navy dive crew has been brought in, and the Polish Army is volunteering to support engineers, additional equipment and 150 staff.
“This will be a long and challenging recovery operation, but we are absolutely committed to bringing our soldiers home,” said Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of the 1st Armored Division. “I was very impressed with the discipline, commitment and comrades of this unit in trying to recover their missing comrades.”
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