Missing Navy SEALs Declared Deceased After 10-Day Search

The search for two missing Navy SEALs off the coast of Somalia was called off after 10 days on Sunday, and U.S. Central Command declared the SEALs deceased.

For Context: On Jan. 11, CENTCOM announced the seizure of a vessel transporting Iranian weapons to Yemen, where Houthi rebels continue to attack commercial and military shipping vessels in the Red Sea. While seizing the vessel, two SEALs were lost in the water. After a 10-day search-and-rescue operation, CENTCOM reclassified the mission as a recovery operation.

The SEALs: On Monday, Naval Special Warfare Command identified the lost SEALs as Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27.

Key Quotes: A statement from CENTCOM read, “During this expansive search operation, airborne and naval platforms from the U.S., Japan, and Spain continuously searched more than 21,000 square miles to locate our missing teammates.” CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla stated, “We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time.”

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum reported on the conclusion of the rescue operation. The Washington Post (Lean Left bias) highlighted unanswered questions, such as how the SEALs were lost so quickly even though they were wearing flotation devices and had drones and helicopters looking for them. The Post reported that it remains “unclear whether the sailors wore other gear that would aid in a rescue operation, such as infrared lights or strobes.”