The US Navy, working with the Marine Corps and other services, has located the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) that sunk off the coast of San Clemente Island on July 30.
Eight marines and one sailor died in the incident. In total, 16 personnel were aboard the AAV when on July 30 they reported taking on water while conducting shore-to-ship waterborne operations training in the vicinity of San Clemente Island off the coast of Southern California.
The US Navy’s Undersea Rescue Command confirmed that human remains have also been identified using their underwater remotely-operated video systems from the merchant vessel HOS Dominator, a ship specializing in undersea search and rescue.
The Marine Corps said in a release that the Navy expedited the movement of assets to recover the remains of the marines and sailor, as well as raise the AAV.
According to the release, the equipment to properly and safely perform the recovery from the sea floor will be in place at the end of this week.
The AAV sunk to a depth of approximately 385 feet, contrary to previous estimations that put the depth at an estimated 600 feet.
The cause of the July 30 incident is under investigation.
