Four U.S. soldiers have been found dead in Lithuania after their M88 Hercules recovery vehicle sank into a peat bog during a routine training exercise, ending a desperate search.

Top Takeaways

• Four soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were found dead after their armored vehicle sank in a Lithuanian peat bog.
• The M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle was submerged in 15 feet of water while on a mission to aid a stranded tactical vehicle.
• Estonian police dogs, specialized drone technology, and U.S. Navy divers were deployed in the challenging recovery operation.
• The armored vehicle has been successfully recovered after a six-day effort involving U.S., Lithuanian, and Polish forces.

Tragic Training Exercise Turns Fatal

The incident occurred at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė, Lithuania, where the soldiers were deployed as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The troops were operating an M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle on a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle when their heavy equipment became submerged in a peat bog. The bodies of three soldiers were recovered on Monday, with the fourth soldier being recovered on Tuesday.

The recovery operation grew into a massive multinational effort, involving hundreds of U.S. and Lithuanian military personnel, law enforcement officers, and specialized equipment. Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has hosted U.S. troops as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. This tragic incident has highlighted the dangers faced by troops even during non-combat operations.

Today, I was informed that the remains of the fourth and final missing U.S. Army Soldier from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were recovered in Lithuania. I want to personally extend my deepest condolences to the families of all four fallen Soldiers.…

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 1, 2025

Challenging Recovery Efforts

After a six-day operation, teams successfully removed the submerged armored vehicle from the bog on Monday. The recovery required extraordinary measures, including U.S. Navy divers working in perilous conditions to attach cables to the vehicle, which was found in approximately 15 feet of water. Additional heavy dozers were deployed to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore.

The collaborative effort involved significant resources and coordination between the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Polish Armed Forces, and various Lithuanian government and civilian agencies. Major General Curtis Taylor described the work as “heroic efforts” as teams battled challenging environmental conditions to recover both the vehicle and the soldiers.

Specialized Search for the Missing Soldiers

Authorities deployed a variety of specialized resources including Estonian recovery dogs. Two dogs, along with their handlers, flew from Tallinn, Estonia to assist in the recovery operation. These canine units are being positioned in U.S. Navy Rigid Inflatable Boats to detect any trace scents below the water’s surface, demonstrating the lengths to which recovery teams are going.

The search teams also utilized advanced technology, including specialized drone systems equipped with ground-penetrating radar to scan the area thoroughly. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities have launched a full investigation into the accident’s cause.

Military Community Mourning But Committed

Military leadership had remained committed to finding the soldiers throughout the search. 3rd Infantry Division Commanding Officer Major General Norrie had emphasized the military’s core value of leaving no one behind. As the investigation concludes, the focus shifts to bringing comfort to the families of these service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country abroad.