Marine killed and 8 are missing after training exercise accident off California coast

One U.S. Marine died, two were injured and eight are missing following a mishap off the coast of Southern California, according to the Marines.

The incident involved an assault amphibious vehicle, according to the 1 Marine Expeditionary Force. The Navy and Coast Guard are assisting with search and rescue efforts, the Marines said.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” said Col. Christopher Bronzi, 15th MEU Commanding Officer. “I ask that you keep our Marines, Sailors, and their families in your prayers as we continue our search.”

The Marines involved in the incident are a part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, they said in a Twitter post. The unit is based out of Camp Pendleton.

The accident occurred near the island of San Clemente, Business Insider reported.

The two injured Marines were taken to San Diego-area hospitals and one is in critical condition, according to KNSD. Eight other people onboard the vehicle were able to make it out, Military.com said.

The name of the Marine who died has not been released.

“Amphibious assault vehicles, which move on tank-like tracks and can operate on land and swim in water, are used to transport Marines from ship to shore,” according to Military.com. “They’ve been in use by the Marines since the early 1970s and are currently set to be replaced by the amphibious combat vehicle, now in development.”

According to the Marines website, the Expeditionary Force is a “combined arms force consisting of ground, air and logistic forces. It possesses the capability for projecting offensive combat power ashore while sustaining itself in combat without external assistance for a period of 60 days.”