Missing Minnesota Marine Declared Dead After Sea Search

Camp Pendleton, CA (MinnesotaNow) - The U.S. Marine from Minnesota who was lost at sea during a training operation last week has been declared deceased.

Search and Rescue Mission Transitions to Recovery

A news release issued by the Marine Corps says 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco was reported missing from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage off the coast of Southern California on the morning of June 25. The declaration of his death followed the conclusion of search-and-rescue operations on June 26, which then transitioned into a recovery operation.

(Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy/Newsmakers)

Marine Corps Releases Statement on Tragic Loss

“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, 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.”

According to the news release, Canseco joined the Marine Corps in April 2023. He received several honors, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.