Search Continues for Missing NATO Soldiers After Armored Vehicle Incident
A submerged M88 Hercules recovery vehicle is at the center of a complex rescue operation in Lithuania.
On Tuesday, several soldiers went missing during a training exercise in Lithuania, as reported by military officials.
The M88 Hercules recovery vehicle they were operating was discovered submerged in water on Wednesday in the training area.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakalien stated, "It is likely that the M88 entered a swamp," highlighting the vehicle’s significant capacity to sink, potentially engulfing large objects.
The M88 Hercules vehicle, weighing up to 70 tons, could have settled approximately five meters below the water surface.
The search and rescue operation is extensive, involving hundreds of personnel working around the clock, including American armed forces, local rescue services, and private companies.
Sakalien mentioned, "We have helicopters in the air, divers, firefighters, and excavation machinery – hundreds and hundreds of people.
Our military divers are on site, but they are also facing challenges."
Operations have narrowed down the location of the submerged vehicle, but significant excavation is still required.
Sakalien explained, "We have brought in large excavation machinery and a channel cleaner to move the sludge and water.
After that, we need to attach the vehicle, pull it out, and see if there are bodies inside."
The Lithuanian government remains committed to the recovery effort, with Sakalien emphasizing the close bond with American military personnel: "Working with American soldiers has always been dear to our hearts.
They are not just allies – they are family."
The M88 Hercules recovery vehicle they were operating was discovered submerged in water on Wednesday in the training area.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakalien stated, "It is likely that the M88 entered a swamp," highlighting the vehicle’s significant capacity to sink, potentially engulfing large objects.
The M88 Hercules vehicle, weighing up to 70 tons, could have settled approximately five meters below the water surface.
The search and rescue operation is extensive, involving hundreds of personnel working around the clock, including American armed forces, local rescue services, and private companies.
Sakalien mentioned, "We have helicopters in the air, divers, firefighters, and excavation machinery – hundreds and hundreds of people.
Our military divers are on site, but they are also facing challenges."
Operations have narrowed down the location of the submerged vehicle, but significant excavation is still required.
Sakalien explained, "We have brought in large excavation machinery and a channel cleaner to move the sludge and water.
After that, we need to attach the vehicle, pull it out, and see if there are bodies inside."
The Lithuanian government remains committed to the recovery effort, with Sakalien emphasizing the close bond with American military personnel: "Working with American soldiers has always been dear to our hearts.
They are not just allies – they are family."
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