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The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed on June 28, 2026, that it is conducting a search for a missing Marine off the coast of southern California, according to a report by WSLS. The service member, identified by the military as Corporal James A. Thompson, 24, was last seen during a training exercise near San Clemente on June 26, according to a statement from the Marine Corps Forces Pacific. No further details about the circumstances of his disappearance have been released, and the search remains ongoing.

The search effort involves naval aviation assets, coast guard vessels, and surface ships, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. A spokesperson for the agency stated that “multiple agencies are working in coordination to locate the individual, with a focus on the waters between San Clemente and Dana Point.” The Marine Corps has not disclosed whether the disappearance is linked to an accident, foul play, or an unknown incident.

Corporal Thompson, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, based at Camp Pendleton, California. His unit released a statement expressing concern for his safety, saying, “We are deeply worried about Corporal Thompson and are fully cooperating with the investigation. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

The incident has drawn attention due to the rarity of such incidents involving active-duty Marines. According to a 2023 report by the Marine Corps Audit Office, only three cases of missing Marines were recorded between 2018 and 2022, all resolved without criminal involvement. However, the current case remains under investigation, with the military emphasizing that “no conclusions have been reached regarding the cause of the disappearance.”

Local authorities in San Diego County have also been involved in the search, with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department deploying aerial surveillance to scan the coastline. A spokesperson for the department said, “We are supporting the military’s efforts and encouraging the public to report any relevant information to the authorities.”

As of June 28, no official timeline for the search has been provided. The Marine Corps has not commented on whether Thompson’s unit is under any disciplinary action or if the training exercise was conducted as planned. The case remains under review by the Marine Corps’ Office of the Inspector General.

The search continues, with updates expected from the Marine Corps and Coast Guard in the coming days.