An Estonian K9 team, as well as specialised drones and rescue dogs, have joined the operation to find the last missing US soldier.
"More capabilities continue to flow to the recovery site, including recovery dogs and two specialised drone systems – including one equipped with ground-penetrating radar – are being used to assist in the search," the US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Our Lithuanian allies continue to dedicate more resources and capabilities to the search, and overnight Estonia also joined the efforts," it said.
Lithuanian military police dogs began work on Monday, while Estonia joined the recovery efforts on Tuesday morning.
Polish military engineers and sappers "are working to clear trees and widen the road to create space to bring in additional pumping equipment, if needed, to increase and expand drainage efforts in the area", according to the statement.
Three of the four US soldiers who went missing at the Pabradė training area were found dead on Monday after their M88 Hercules armoured recovery vehicle was towed out of a swamp following a nearly week-long search and rescue operation.
USAREUR-AF said soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, US Navy divers, Lithuanian military divers, Polish engineers, Estonian military police, multinational civilian agencies, and technical experts from the US Army Corps of Engineers are working at the site. An amphibious excavator equipped with rakes has also been deployed.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Lithuanian Armed Forces said the American armoured vehicle recovered from a swamp was ready for transport.
Tribute at US Embassy
A tribute event will be held outside the US Embassy in Vilnius on Tuesday to honour the American soldiers.
“They came here to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, to protect our families, our homes, and our freedom. Their sacrifice is the greatest one a person can make,” the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union said in a statement.
“We invite all LRU members and every person of good will in Lithuania to join us in a moment of silence and gratitude for the deceased,” the paramilitary organisation said.
“Let us honour their memory with flowers, candles, and a sense of gratitude that will live forever in our hearts,” it added.
Meanwhile, the media organisation Laisvės TV has launched a fundraising campaign to support the families of the deceased soldiers.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his condolences for the soldiers who drowned in Lithuania and thanked the country for its efforts to find them.
Heartbroken to learn about the deaths of our U.S. soldiers in Lithuania. Jeanette and I extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of these selfless service members who contributed to our national and international security. The United States is enormously…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 1, 2025
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