Mystery as US Marine vanishes off massive ship off California coast

A US Marine has vanished from an amphibious Navy ship off the Southern California coast, sparking a massive multi-agency search.

The US Navy launched search and recovery operations after the Marine was reported missing shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday.

The Marine was assigned to the USS Anchorage during training with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, according to CBS8.

After approximately 43 hours of search and rescue efforts, the Navy shifted to recovery operations at 9 p.m. Friday.

Personnel from the US Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force participated in the search. Officials said crews searched approximately 2,400 square miles using three surface ships and 12 aircraft.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time,” Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Alissa Whyte said in a statement.

The Navy has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the Marine’s disappearance.

Following Navy policy, the Marine’s identity is being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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