The U.S. Military made a tragic announcement on Sunday afternoon that two Navy SEALs who went missing nearly two weeks ago during a mission off the coast of Africa are now presumed dead.
The SEALs, whose identities have not yet been released, were conducting a nighttime interdiction mission on January 11 when disaster struck. As they were attempting to climb onto a vessel, one of the SEALs was knocked off by powerful ocean waves. In accordance with proper protocol, the next Navy SEAL up immediately jumped into the water to try and rescue his teammate.
Despite a massive search effort that spanned over 21,000 square miles, the two missing Navy SEALs were not been located and their status has now been officially changed to deceased. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement expressing their deep regret at having to make this announcement and stating that a 10-day exhaustive search had been conducted.
The search was a multinational effort, with Japan and Spain joining in the operation to try and locate the missing SEALs. Additional support was provided by other groups including the University of San Diego – Scripts Institute of Oceanography.
According to CENTCOM, the search covered a vast area in the hopes of finding the two missing SEALs. The U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, University of San Diego – Scripts Institute of Oceanography, and the Office of Naval Research – Oceanographic Support all provided assistance as well. Despite their best efforts, the tragic conclusion has been reached that the two SEALs are presumed dead. The news has been met with an outpouring of grief and sadness from the entire Special Operations community.
General Michale Erik Kurilla, who serves as the CENTCOM Commander, released a statement expressing his deep condolences for the loss of the two Navy SEALs. He also emphasized that the sacrifice and example of these brave warriors will never be forgotten, and their memory will be forever honored. General Kurilla also extended his thoughts and prayers to the SEALs’ families and friends during this difficult time. The entire nation stands in solidarity with these families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.
The details surrounding the mission that led to the loss of the two SEALs have not yet been made public. It is not clear what caused the powerful ocean waves that knocked one of the SEALs off the vessel, but it was severe enough to require immediate rescue efforts.
In accordance with standard procedure, the next SEAL in line bravely jumped into the dangerous waters to try and save his teammate. Unfortunately, the rescue effort was unsuccessful and both SEALs are now presumed dead. The tragedy has shaken the entire military community, as well as the nation as a whole.
The brave men and women of the U.S. military put their lives on the line every day to protect our country and its citizens. The loss of two highly trained and skilled members of the SEALs is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that these brave warriors make.
As a nation, we honor and respect the service of these two soldiers, and their memory will live on in the hearts of their comrades and the nation as a whole. The tragedy of their loss serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers that military personnel face in service to our country and how precious and fragile life truly is.
