Remains of Marines, sailors recovered from amphibious cars sank off the coast of California


Their remains will soon be transferred to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to prepare for burial, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

They will then be released to their families in accordance with their wishes.

“Our hearts and minds of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are with the families of our recovered Marines and Sailor,” said Col. Christopher Bronzi, commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in a statement. “We hope the successful recovery of our fallen warriors brings some comfort.”

As previously reported by CNN, the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) suffered from a mishap from San Clemente Island during a routine training session.

Sixteen personnel were on board the AAV when the crew reported taking water during the training of the coastal operation to ship. Five crew members were rescued from the sinking AAV and returned to their ship, the USS Somerset. Two Marines were taken to hospital.

Lance Cpl. Guillermo S. Perez of New Braunfels, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were transferred to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday.

After an extensive two-day search, the 15th MEU concluded its search and rescue effort for the eight missing service members. The sunken AAV lay Monday.

The cause of the incident is still being investigated and similar training has been discontinued while officials are learning more about the incident.

The eight were identified on Sunday as:

• Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 19, of Corona, California, a rifleman

• Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello, California, a rifleman

• Pfc. Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a rifleman

• US Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, California

• Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Oregon, a rifleman

• Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas, a rifleman

• Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood, 19, of Portland, Oregon, a rifleman

• Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, California, a rifleman

CNN’s Madeline Holcombe and Daniel Allman contributed to this report.

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