Second Okinawa Marine drowns, prompting temporary ban on swimming

Two Marines on Okinawa, Japan, have drown in as many days, prompting the III Marine Expeditionary Force to temporarily ban swimming and other water recreational activities, said III MEF spokeswoman Lt. Jacky Chow.

The Marines died on Saturday and Sunday in separate incidents at Maeda Point, Chow said in an email.  A total of three service members on Okinawa have drowned in October.

“III MEF is currently conducting a moratorium on water related activities; and will conduct safety stand-down on recreational water safety activities and measures to ensure the well-being of our service members, their families, and the communities with which we interact,” Chow said.

A Marine with the 3rd Logistics Group was pronounced dead at 1:40 p.m. on Sunday after an apparent drowning incident, Chow said.  The Marine’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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Image courtesy of US Marine Corps