Marine killed, 2 Injured, 8 missing in training accident off of OC coast

Authorities were searching early Friday, July 31, for eight U.S. Marines who went missing during training off of the coast of San Clemente Island that claimed the life of at least one service member.

An amphibious vehicle was carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor at about 5:45 p.m. Thursday when the vessel began taking on water during an annual training exercise, Marine officials said.

What exactly occurred was unclear.

Two Marines were injured, one critically, five military personnel were rescued and eight others were missing and being searched for by the Navy’s USS John Finn, three Navy helicopters, several smaller Navy vessels and a U.S. Coast Guard ship and helicopter, the Marines said.

One Marine was taken to a hospital in La Jolla, where they died. Authorities have not released the Marine’s name.

San Clemente Island is about 50 miles west of Orange County and 20 miles south of Catalina Island.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” Col. Christopher Bronzi, the unit’s commanding officer, said in a statement. “I ask that you keep our Marines, sailors, and their families in your prayers as we continue our search.”

The training accident is the second in three years in which local Marines were injured or killed in an amphibious-assault vehicle.

On Sept. 13, 2017, 14 Marines and a sailor were burned – several critically – when their amphibious-assault vehicle burst into flames following an explosion. It occurred during training in hilly terrain and dry brush between two gun ranges on Camp Pendleton when the vehicle hit an exposed gas line. Kyle Hansen, a corporal who has since medically retired from the Marine Corps, was among those in the vehicle that day.

“It hurts to see this,” he said on Friday about the Thursday event. “I hope we can have accountability for the Marines involved.”

In San Clemente, Wayne Eggleston, a former mayor who helped create Semper Fi Park near the Pier Bowl, was saddened to hear of the latest event.

“It’s absolutely devastating,” he said, adding he was on his way to lower flags at the memorial park. “Those can be dangerous vehicles, especially if they (the personnel) don’t have sufficient training or (are) in unfamiliar terrain – it can result in tragic events.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.