A former Maryland swimmer has reportedly lost his life while serving as a Navy SEAL according to reports.
Per NBC4 Washington, Special Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers and Special Operator Second Class Nathan Gage Ingram were lost at sea while carrying out a mission to intercept aid to Houthi forces in Yemen.
Chambers reportedly jumped into the water to save Gage Ingram who was unable to board the vessel due to choppy conditions, but both disappeared into the Arabian Sea.
JUST IN: The Navy has identified a man from Maryland as one of two Navy SEALs declared dead after they went missing on a mission near Somalia on Jan. 11. https://t.co/yvpNtZfjvu
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) January 23, 2024
A 37-year-old native of Maryland, Chambers was a collegiate swimmer at UMass Amherst before transferring to the Terrapins where he continued his athletic career and studied business in 2007-2008.
In a statement from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, he referred to Chambers as a “hero” and a “true patriot.”
Maryland and the nation have lost a hero. Special Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers wasn’t just a distinguished Navy SEAL, he was a true patriot in every beautiful sense of the word. He put his life on the line for our safety and security, and we will never forget his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
U.S. forces underwent an 11-day search and rescue effort to locate the two SEALs but it was called off on Sunday. Their names were released earlier this week.