U.S. Army Makes Progress in Recovering Armored Vehicle as Four Soldiers Remain Missing in Lithuania

U.S. Army Faces Challenges in Recovery Efforts for Missing Soldiers

U.S. Navy divers have successfully attached hoisting lines to a sinking M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle, involved in a training mission near Pabradė, Lithuania. This operation follows the disappearance of four U.S. Army soldiers during the exercise.

The soldiers, stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia, were aboard the vehicle, which was scheduled for maintenance to recover another vehicle in the area when the incident occurred.

Following the attachment of the second hoisting line, the Army reported that the Hercules could be anchored to prevent further sinking into the surrounding bog.

In a post on social media, U.S. Army Europe and Africa stated that engineers expected to commence the winching process early on Monday morning. They cautioned that the terrain remains challenging, but recovery teams are committed to the task.

Divers Overcome Initial Setbacks

Earlier, divers shackled the first line to a hoist point on the armored vehicle. However, the Army acknowledged that the winching process might take longer than anticipated due to suction and pressure generated by the mud.

As the recovery operation progresses, the U.S. Army confirmed that the Hercules continues to sink into the bog. Experts estimate that the vehicle now rests around four meters below the surface, encased in approximately two meters of mud.

To bolster the recovery efforts, a Rapidly Available Interface for Trans-loading (RAIL) system is set to arrive on-site soon. This equipment, typically used in offloading from trains, is expected to stabilize the ground to facilitate the recovery efforts.

Challenges in the Wilderness

Brigadier General John Lloyd, who commands the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division, described the situation as highly complex. He explained that the recovery operations face difficulties due to the vehicle’s location in a swamp-like environment, compounded by the weight of the 70-ton vehicle.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė expressed the urgency of the situation. She noted that since learning of the incident, Lithuania has committed all available resources from both its armed forces and internal affairs ministry to aid in the search for the missing soldiers.

She stated that the operations include helicopters equipped with thermal vision and ground forces conducting intense search efforts.

The Search for Missing Soldiers Continues

The fate of the soldiers remains uncertain as Minister Šakalienė acknowledged that it is unclear whether they managed to escape the vehicle before it submerged. She emphasized that as of Thursday afternoon, there is no evidence confirming the deaths of the soldiers.

The terrain around the recovery site consists of dense forests, swamps, and bogs, which resemble environments found in Alaska. These conditions have created a challenging setting for the Army’s training in the region.

Furthermore, Minister Šakalienė shared her perspective on the possible scenarios faced by the soldiers. She speculated that they might be lost, injured, or in a state of hypothermia but expressed hope for their safe return.

Lithuania’s Commitment to Recovering the Soldiers

As a NATO member, Lithuania views American soldiers as part of their own community, which strengthens their commitment to recovery efforts.

Despite ongoing struggles, the soldiers have yet to be located. The families of the missing soldiers are receiving regular updates from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Major General Curtis Taylor, the commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, expressed the heavy emotional toll this situation has taken on all involved. He conveyed the message that there is a dedicated commitment to continuing the search for the missing soldiers.

National Responses and Vigil

President Donald Trump commented on the situation, indicating that he had not received a briefing regarding the missing soldiers. This concerning event unfolds in close proximity to Belarus, a longtime ally of Russia.

In response to the unfolding tragedy, Lithuania organized a joint prayer at its main church, the capital cathedral, which included a mass dedicated to the missing soldiers. The lights from the cathedral serve as a beacon of hope for their families and friends.

As recovery efforts endure, the collective resolve of both the U.S. and Lithuania fortifies the belief that these brave soldiers will be brought home.

With every passing day, the commitment to find the missing U.S. Army soldiers intensifies, embodying values of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Reporting contributed by Fox News Digital journalists.