U.S marine of Nigerian descent dies after falling overboard from warship in Caribbean

A U.S Marine of Nigerian descent was pronounced d3ad after being lost at sea in the Caribbean.

Military officials said 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka Oforah, a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, was declared d3ad on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 after he fell overboard from the USS Iwo Jima the night of February 7. 

Oforah’s death was announced after an extensive 72-hour, multi-branch search-and-rescue operation.

Officials said five ships, an inflatable boat and 10 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force were used in the search efforts.

Oforah was an infantry rifleman who enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2023.

He completed the School of Infantry at Camp Lejeune and was part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family,” Col. Tom Trimble said. “The loss of Lance Cpl. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten.”

Officials said the circumstances surrounding Oforah’s d3ath are still under investigation.