A 70-ton US Army tank vehicle was successfully recovered in Lithuania after it sank in deep mud during a military exercise near the Belarusian border. Four US soldiers went missing when their M88 Hercules vehicle became stuck in a swampy area at the Pabrade training ground on March 25, 2025. The vehicle was lifted from the muddy waters in the early hours of March 31, 2025, following a complex recovery operation involving multiple rescue teams.
The Lithuanian Defense Minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, confirmed the recovery, stating that the extraction began around 2:45 AM and was completed by 4:30 AM. "Around 22:00, the attachment point for the second cable was located, and shortly after 23:00, the second cable was secured. At 2:45, the extraction operation began," she explained in an interview. The operation utilized two M88 recovery vehicles and additional bulldozers to stabilize the area, as the tank was buried approximately four meters deep in the mud.
Rescue teams, which included Polish and Lithuanian forces, worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to locate the tank. Divers had to penetrate several meters into the mud in complete darkness, taking five hours to attach a tow rope to the vehicle. The cause of the tank's sinking remains unclear, with speculation surrounding a possible defect in the navigation system.
As the recovery efforts progressed, hope of finding the soldiers alive diminished significantly after nearly six days without contact. "We have a strict agreement that the American side will communicate first," Minister Šakalienė stated, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the situation. Reports emerged that funeral services had arrived at the site, further raising concerns about the fate of the missing soldiers.
On March 30, a mass was held at Vilnius Cathedral for the missing soldiers and their families, attended by military personnel and citizens alike. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed his hope for a miracle, stating, "I still hope for a miracle," despite the grim circumstances.
The Lithuanian prosecutor's office has opened a pre-trial investigation to determine the cause of death for the four missing soldiers, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė confirmed the investigation, stating, "A pre-trial investigation has been opened to determine the cause of death." This announcement does not confirm the soldiers' deaths but indicates the gravity of the ongoing search.
In the days leading up to the recovery, the search operation had faced numerous challenges, including adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain. The area where the tank sank is known for its swampy landscape, complicating the rescue efforts. Major Gintautas Ciunis, a spokesperson for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, noted the technical complexity of the operation, which involved stabilizing the ground with gravel and sand to facilitate the extraction.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty regarding the soldiers' status, the international community has shown solidarity and support for Lithuania during this crisis. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys remarked on the gratitude expressed by allies for the rescue efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in military training environments.
As the situation develops, families of the missing soldiers await news, clinging to hope while grappling with the harsh reality of the circumstances. The community in Lithuania has rallied around the families, providing emotional and spiritual support during this difficult time.
In summary, while the recovery of the M88 Hercules tank marks a significant step in the search for the missing soldiers, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. The collaborative efforts of international forces highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel involved in military operations.
