SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A Marine who went missing off the coast of Southern California has been declared deceased, authorities said Monday.
The Marine, identified as Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco, 21, of Minnesota, was serving aboard the USS Anchorage during training between the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
Search and rescue efforts began at 1:21 a.m. on June 25 after the Marine was reported missing.
Search and rescue transitioned into search and recovery at 9 p.m. on June 26 with the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Air Force covering 2,400 square miles over 43 hours using three surface ships and 12 aircraft.
On June 27, Ortiz Canseco was declared dead.
“On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco,” said Col. Richard Alvarez, the commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“He earned the title of United States Marine and served his country with honor and commitment. We mourn alongside his family, and we remain committed to bringing him home.”
