A U.S. Marine was declared dead three days after falling overboard into the Caribbean Sea during an operation aboard the USS Iwo Jima, according to a new report.
Concretely, Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah was declared dead this week at the end of a three-day search and rescue operation, according to Stars and Stripes.
The soldier was reported falling on Saturday evening, a press release detailed: “We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family,” said commander Col. Tom Trimble.
“The loss of Lance Cpl. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten.”
Oforah was part of the large buildup of forces the U.S. has amassed in the Caribbean sea during the second Trump administration, and which included the operation to capture Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, earlier this year. The two were taken to the USS Iwo Jima before being flown to New York City, where they are being held currently.
Another incident took place in the area this week then two ships, the USS Truxton and USNS Supply, collided during a “replenishment at sea” on Wednesday, according to the Southern Command.
“Two personnel reported minor injuries and are in stable condition. Both ships have reported sailing safely. The incident is currently under investigation,” SOUTHCOM added.
Originally published on Latin Times
