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forces conducted a raid on a small vessel off the coast of Somalia in January, resulting in the deaths of two Navy SEALs.” />
Photo courtesy of US Central Command
- Two US Navy SEALs tragically drowned during a January operation aimed at intercepting weapons smuggled to the Houthis.
- An investigation has revealed multiple failures that contributed to this tragic outcome.
- A senior commander stated, “This incident was preventable and highlighted systemic issues.”
In January, two US Navy SEALs lost their lives during an operation intended to stop illegal arms trafficking off Somalia’s coast. An inquiry into their deaths concluded that they were avoidable and stemmed from several operational failures leading up to this perilous mission.
The SEALs were heavily burdened with equipment during their nighttime operation against a dhow suspected of transporting arms from Iran to Yemen’s Houthis. When one operator fell overboard, he quickly sank beneath the waves. His teammate attempted to rescue him but was also pulled under within moments as chaos ensued.
A detailed investigation released recently sheds light on this tragic event and identifies Chief Special Warfare Operator Christopher Chambers and Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Nathan Gage Ingram as those who perished.
The report attributed their drownings to “the absence of fail-safes and layered buoyancy measures,” which could have mitigated risks associated with heavy gear, fatigue from strenuous activity, or injuries sustained during boarding operations.
“This incident was preventable and underscored systemic issues,” remarked Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command—a sentiment echoed throughout the investigation findings.
A Perilous Operation
On January 11th, members from USS Lewis B. Puller executed what was described as a “complex boarding” maneuver against a dhow engaged in illicitly transporting weaponry for Yemen’s Houthis—an action confirmed by US Central Command at that time.
Photo courtesy of US Central Command
As helicopters hovered overhead alongside drones monitoring operations below, three combat boats launched from USS Puller approached rough waters where they encountered the target vessel. Some commandos boarded using an attachable ladder while others climbed directly over its railing.
Chambers struggled with approximately 48 pounds of gear when he lost his grip on the railing and fell roughly nine feet into turbulent waters below; attempts to regain his footing were thwarted by powerful waves pulling him under.
Sensing his teammate’s distress just moments later, Ingram—encumbered by around 80 pounds—leapt into action but soon succumbed himself despite efforts made to remove some equipment and activate flotation devices amidst treacherous conditions where depths reached around 12,000 feet.
“Seeing his comrade struggle prompted (Ingram) to jump into action,” noted investigators who emphasized how both men’s heavy loads rendered them unable even with emergency flotation devices activated.
The entire ordeal transpired within just under one minute; search efforts commenced immediately but after ten days without success led military officials ultimately declaring them deceased.
Their identities remained redacted initially but have since been confirmed by naval authorities as those involved in this unfortunate event.
“We grieve for our fallen warriors whose sacrifices will always be honored,” stated Centcom Commander Gen Michael Kurilla earlier this year regarding these losses.”..
A Series Of Oversights
According To Naval Special Warfare Command protocols concerning boarding procedures aboard suspect vessels—the most hazardous phase involves embarking onto such crafts according investigations findings.
“The act itself is inherently dangerous; risk levels can escalate based upon various operational factors,” it states.
Photo courtesy: U.S Central Command
However ,the inquiry further indicated “deficiencies ,gaps ,and inconsistencies across doctrine tactics techniques created missed opportunities for safeguards which could’ve reduced likelihood surrounding such incidents.”
The report identified conflicting guidance regarding buoyancy requirements along with maintenance issues related emergency flotation equipment .It also pointed out failure recognizing risks associated buoyancy along insufficient training utilizing Tactical Flotation Support System device .
Following these tragic events recommendations emerged including revisiting training protocols alongside implementing pre-mission checks ensuring proper functioning all necessary equipment including buoyant aids.
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