A military investigation into the deaths of two U.S. Navy SEALs determined that both deaths were preventable. The Navy SEALs drowned in January while trying to board a dhow ship that was illegally transporting Iranian cruise missile and ballistic missile components from Iran to Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
According to a report of the military investigation obtained by The Associated Press, the two Navy SEALs, identified as Chief Special Warfare Operator Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Nathan Gage Ingram, drowned due to significant training failures and an improper understanding of what to do after falling into deep waters. While the report noted that the deaths could have been prevented, it explained that the two Navy SEALs quickly sank due to being weighed down by heavy equipment and not knowing that their flotation devices were not capable of supporting the additional weight of the equipment.
The Associated Press reported that the new report showed there were “deficiencies, gaps and inconsistencies” in the Navy SEALs’ policies, training, tactics, and procedures. The report also highlighted “conflicting guidance” regarding how to use the emergency flotation devices and when to add extra material to compensate for additional weight.
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In the report, Rear Adm. Michael DeVore stated, “Encumbered by the weight of each individual’s gear, neither their physical capability nor emergency supplemental flotations devices, if activated, were sufficient to keep them at the surface.”
According to the report, Chambers was “intermittently” seen at the surface of the water for roughly 26 seconds after falling into the sea, while Ingram, who jumped overboard in an attempt to rescue Chambers, remained at the water’s surface for approximately 32 seconds. DeVore explained, “The entire tragic event elapsed in just 47 seconds and two NSW warriors were lost to the sea.”
The report noted that if the flotation equipment had been maintained properly, functioning well, and used in the right way, it would have been able to keep the two Navy SEALs afloat until they could be rescued. While other Navy SEAL team members told investigators that they understood the importance of the flotation devices, not many of the team members had received training or detailed instructions regarding how to wear the devices.
The military investigation determined that the poor instruction the Navy SEALs received regarding the flotation devices could have led to potential mistakes, such as the incident that resulted in the deaths of two Navy SEALs. The report also suggested that Ingram’s flotation equipment might not have been properly attached and that a more thorough “buddy check” prior to the mission could have ensured that the equipment was attached properly.
