Search for Missing Marines Called Off, 8 Presumed Dead

40 hours after the search and rescue mission for the eight missing marines began, it was called off.  The incident occurred off the southern coast of California late last week. The service members were part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Pendleton. A training “mishap” led an amphibious assault vehicle to sink. Of the sixteen members aboard, one marine was confirmed dead and two others seriously injured. Eight marines are still missing and now presumed dead after search and rescue efforts turned up nothing. It was determined continued efforts would not produce favorable results. Colonel Christopher Bronzi, the 15th MEU Commanding Officer, said “it is with a heavy heart, that I decided to conclude the search effort. The steadfast dedication of the Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen to the persistent rescue effort was tremendous.” For the time being, AAV training on land will continue but water operations have been suspended out of “an abundance of caution”.