Three US soldiers found dead after 63-ton tank sunk into swamp in Lithuania sparking six day rescue mission

THREE soldiers who vanished when their tank sunk into a swamp have been found dead after a six day rescue operation.

The US Army troops were discovered after the arduous mission at the Pabrade training ground in Lithuania.

Rescue operations at the General Silvestras Zukauskas training ground during the searchCredit: EPA

US soldiers walking on a muddy road during a search operation. — The search continued for six days in LithuaniaCredit: EPA

Search and rescue operation for four missing US soldiers in Lithuania. — US and Lithuanian troops tried to find the missing soldiersCredit: EPA

And tragically a fourth soldier remains missing following the discovery of the sunken 63-ton M88 recovery vehicle.

"It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I received the news of the tragic loss of three U.S. soldiers," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda wrote on social media platform X.

"Lithuania mourns together with the American nation," he said.

Nauseda said the search and rescue operation would continue until the fourth soldier had been found.

The soldiers and their vehicle went missing at the Pabrade training ground near the border with Belarus.

In a statement, the US Army said: "Three US Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were found deceased in Lithuania today, March 31."