Officials: Soldier Tried to Save Another Off Coast of Morocco
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- Two US service members went missing off the coast of Morocco after one fell into the water during a hike near the Cap Draa Training Area, and the second disappeared attempting a rescue.
- Efforts to reach the first soldier by forming a human chain failed, leading a second soldier to jump in, but both struggled against waves and were not recovered.
- A third soldier entered the water and returned safely, but could not reach the missing pair; the search involves US aircraft, drones, divers, sea vessels, and Moroccan scuba teams.
- The incident is not believed to be directly related to the African Lion military exercise, which involves over 7,000 troops from more than 30 nations and has been held annually since 2004.
- Drones designed by 1st Lt. Vincent Gasparri are being used in the search, and the military is withholding details about the missing soldiers’ branch and unit during ongoing operations.
