An investigation is ongoing to find the cause of amphibious vehicle accident California which led to the death of one Marine and missing eight other service members.
Search and rescue attempts are still underway Friday morning for the eight missing individuals with support from the Navy and Coast Guard.
The amphibious vehicle accident California occurred approximately 5:45 p.m. Thursday when an amphibious-assault vehicle carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor began to take on water throughout a routine training exercise “in the vicinity of San Clemente Island” in California, according to the United States Marine Corps.
A Marine assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Pendleton, was brought to a hospital in La Jolla where they died.
Cause of amphibious vehicle accident California not revealed yet
Officials did not provide details about what had happened in the accident, except that it involved an Assault Amphibious Vehicle, or A.A.V. The Navy and the Coast Guard were assisting in the search, the force said.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” said Col. Christopher Bronzi, a commanding officer, in a statement. “I ask that you keep our Marines, Sailors, and their families in your prayers as we continue our search.”
At least two others were injured in the accident and have been transported to Southern California hospitals, according to a news release from the US Marine Corps 1st Expeditionary Force.
One is in critical condition and the other is stable, according to the Marines.
Multiple ships and helicopters from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard are combing the waters off of San Clemente Island for the missing Marines.
Fifteen Marines and a sailor were aboard the AAV after it launched from a Navy amphibious ship.
All service members in the incident are assigned to the 15th MEU based out of Camp Pendleton.
However, the names of the Marine killed and missings will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified. The incident is under investigation.
Article Source: https://usdaynews.com/news/cause-amphibious-vehicle-accident-california/
