Military investigation says Navy SEAL deaths were preventable

A military investigation into the deaths of two US Navy SEALs determined that both deaths were preventable. The Navy SEALs drowned in January while trying to board a dhow that was illegally transporting Iranian cruise missiles and ballistic missile components from Iran to Houthi terrorists in Yemen.

According to a military investigative report obtained by The Associated Press, the two Navy SEALs, identified as Special Warfare Operator Chief Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Nathan Gage Ingram , drowned due to major training errors and inadequate understanding. what to do after falling into deep water. Although the report noted that the deaths could have been avoided, it explained that the two Navy SEALs sank quickly due to their heavy equipment load and unaware that their flotation devices were unable to withstand the additional weight of the equipment.

The Associated Press reported that the new report showed there were “deficiencies, gaps and inconsistencies” in Navy SEAL policies, training, tactics and procedures. The report also highlighted “conflicting guidance” on how to use emergency flotation devices and when to add extra material to compensate for the extra weight.

READ MORE: 2 US Navy SEALs killed

In the report, Rear Admiral Michael DeVore stated, “With the weight of each individual’s equipment, neither their physical capacity nor their additional emergency flotation devices, if activated, were sufficient to sustain them on the surface.”

According to the report, Chambers was seen “intermittently” on the surface of the water for approximately 26 seconds after falling into the sea, while Ingram, who jumped overboard in an attempt to rescue Chambers, remained on the surface of the water for approximately 32 seconds. DeVore explained: “The whole tragic event took place in just 47 seconds and two NSW warriors were lost at sea.”

The report noted that if the flotation equipment had been properly maintained, working well and used in the correct manner, it would have been able to keep the two Navy SEALs afloat until they could be rescued. While other members of the Navy SEAL team told investigators they understood the importance of the flotation devices, not many of the team members had received training or detailed instructions on how to wear the devices.

The military investigation determined that poor instruction Navy SEALs received about flotation devices could have led to potential errors, such as the incident that killed two Navy SEALs. The report also suggested that Ingram’s flotation equipment may not have been properly attached, and that a more thorough “buddy check” before the mission could have ensured that the equipment was properly attached.