SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND (CNS) - A search was underway this morning for eight Marines missing following a deadly training mishap off the coast of San Clemente Island.
The accident happened about 5:45 p.m. Thursday when an amphibious assault vehicle carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor began to take on water during a training exercise, according to the United States Marine Corps.
A Marine assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Pendleton, was taken to a hospital in La Jolla where they died. Two Marines were injured, one critically, five military personnel were rescued and eight others were missing and being searched for by the Navy's USS John Finn, three Navy helicopters, several smaller Navy vessels and a U.S. Coast Guard ship and helicopter, the Corp said.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,'' Colonel Christopher Bronzi, 15th MEU Commanding Officer, tweeted early Friday. “I ask that you keep our Marines, Sailors, and their families in your prayers as we continue our search."
The name of the Marine who died was not disclosed.