A U.S. Marine was tragically declared deceased after falling overboard during operations in the Caribbean, as confirmed by officials on Thursday. Despite an extensive search effort, Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, 21, from Florida, was not found. The operation concluded after 72 hours without success.

Lance Cpl. Oforah’s disappearance occurred when he fell from the USS Iwo Jima. Despite tireless efforts from search teams, he was officially declared dead three days later. The Marine Corps expressed their sorrow at the loss, underscoring the impact felt across the naval community.

“Our hearts are with the Oforah family as we mourn together,” stated Col. Tom Trimble, the commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. “Lance Cpl. Oforah’s passing is a significant loss to our Navy-Marine Corps family. His dedication and service will always be remembered.”

The search operation was extensive, involving five U.S. Navy ships, a rigid-hull inflatable boat, and ten aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, working together to locate the missing Marine.

The declaration followed a 72-hour search that involved five U.S. Navy ships, a rigid-hull inflatable boat, and ten aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. 

The USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), sits at the dock, on a cold winter morning. (Getty Images)

Oforah was an infantry rifleman. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in Oct. 2023 and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in Feb. 2024. 

He completed the USMC’s School of Infantry at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

At the time of his death, he was deployed with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd MEU aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

A U.S. Marines patch is shown on a uniform at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on September 26, 2025, in San Diego, California. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.