US soldiers die during Lithuania training exercise

A total of three US soldiers were found dead while a fourth remains missing after their armoured recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog during a NATO training exercise near the Belarusian border in Lithuania on 25 March 2025. The incident occurred at the General Silvestras Zukauskas Training Area near Pabrade, east Lithuania, during a routine drill.

The vehicle was recovered six days later, when three bodies were found inside. The missing soldier remains unaccounted for, despite the ongoing search being conducted by US Navy divers and Lithuanian emergency services.

Joint NATO exercise leads to tragedy

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division troops were part of a rotational US deployment for NATO deterrence operations in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Their M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle was reportedly attempting to reach a disabled tactical vehicle when it became stuck and then submerged in a swampy section of the training ground.

The location had been previously used for training without incident, according to the US Army. However, local media noted that rainfall and thawing had rendered parts of the range unstable.

Recovery delayed by treacherous conditions

Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reported that local authorities were alerted late on 25 March, but recovery was delayed due to the depth and density of the bog. The vehicle was found under 4.5m of water and over 2m of mud.

US and Lithuanian forces deployed heavy machinery and a Rapidly Available Interface for Trans-loading system to stabilise the ground. US Navy divers operating with zero visibility attached cables to the vehicle and pulled it from the bog on 31 March. The remains of three soldiers were recovered immediately. The fourth soldier may have exited the vehicle before it sank, officials said.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda visited the scene the same day and thanked all those involved in the recovery. “We mourn together with the American nation,” he said. Local reports said he had privately offered US commanders support from Lithuanian rescue services. The US Army has not yet named the deceased, pending notification of next of kin.

Investigation underway

A joint US-Lithuanian investigation into the incident has not uncovered foul play. Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said the priority was “supporting the families and establishing facts”. Military sources cited by LRT noted that this was the first fatal training incident of this type in Lithuania since NATO’s enhanced forward presence began in 2017.

Local media praised the professionalism of US troops stationed in Lithuania and expressed solidarity with the US military community. An oped published by 15min.lt said the tragedy underscored the “shared commitment and sacrifice” of NATO allies.

Archbishop Gintaras Grusas said mass at Vilnius Cathedral for the victims, attended by NATO personnel, Lithuanian officials, and members of the public, LRT and Delfi reported on 30 March.