1 Marine dead, 8 service members remain missing and 2 injured after an AAV mishap off coast of California

1 Marine has died, 8 service members remain missing and 2 were injured after an AAV mishap July 30 off the coast of Southern California. All are assigned to the 15th MEU. Search and rescue efforts are still underway with support from the Navy and Coast Guard. Marines.mil reporting

UPDATE: Representatives have notified all families of the Marines and Sailor involved in Thursday’s tragedy. We have covered more than 200 square nautical miles in the extensive search for our 8 missing service members. All efforts are committed to the #15thmeurecovery. @1stMEF pic.twitter.com/sRiu6PLBl4

— 15th MEU (@15thMEUOfficial) August 1, 2020

The 15th MEU is conducting around the clock search & rescue operations for our 8 Marines with support from all available agencies to include @theNavy and @USCoastGuard. Updates will be posted here when available. #15thmeurecovery

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. I ask that you keep our Marines, Sailors, and their families in your prayers as we continue our search,” said Col. Christopher Bronzi, 15th MEU Commanding Officer.

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

America’s Vanguard Force

Camp Pendleton, CA

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provides a forward deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capable of conducting Amphibious Operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces, and, designated special operations, in order to support the theater requirements of Geographic Combatant Commanders (GCC).