Navy completes probe of two SEAL deaths
The Navy said they knowingly disregarded breath holding safety guidance.
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- After seven months, the Navy has completed its investigation into the drowning deaths of two Navy SEALs.
The probe determined they were involved in underwater breath-holding exercises in a pool.
The "Line of Duty Investigation," report requested by 13News Now under the Freedom of Information Act, found that the SEAL's deaths resulted from "their desire to become better operators."
Autopsy: Two Navy SEALs died of accidental drowning
According to the report, Special Operators First Class Brett Marihugh and Seth Lewis were practicing holding their breath in the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Combat Swimmer Training Facility. But they were on their own time, they were not participating in any command-directed training and there were no lifeguards on duty.
The commander of Naval Special Warfare Command Rear Admiral Brian Losey wrote in the report: "They were qualified swim buddies, yet both drowned during off-hour physical conditioning in a combat swimmer trainer facility because they knowingly disregarded breath holding safety guidance. This high-risk evolution should only take place in a controlled environment under supervision of qualified trainers with appropriate life-saving equipment at the pool or if essential during a mission."
Back in April Congressman Scott Rigell told us he needs "to be satisfied that the Navy has implemented the right processes and procedure such that we cannot have this again." His office told 13News Now it has no comment, because Rigell has not been briefed yet.
http://www.13newsnow.com/story/news/military/2015/11/24/navy-completes-probe-of-two-seals-deaths/76339050/
