3 Norfolk-based Marines drown at Gitmo

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (WAVY) - The Navy says three Norfolk-based Marines died while swimming on July 4 at one of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay's recreational beaches.

Marine Corps Cpl. Paul Fagundes, Lcpl. Giovani Cruz and Lcpl. James May Jr. were assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Team (FAST), Alpha Company, 6th Platoon.

Officials say the three were among a group of five Marines that entered the water at Cable Beach. Preliminary reports indicate that while in the water, the group became separated. Two members of the group made it safely to the shoreline and reported the remaining Marines in distress.

NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay assets responded and recovered the three missing Marines. They were transported to U.S. Navy Hospital Guantanamo Bay where attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.

"Our hearts were broken this past Sunday by a horrible tragedy as we lost three young, American fighting men," said Marine Corps Maj. Winston Tierney, MCSF Company Guantanamo commanding officer, during a memorial service for the three at Guantanamo last week.

"Tonight we celebrate these Marines as the best our nation has to offer," said Tierney, "Young men who volunteered to serve the greatest call a man can answer. And while not lost in combat, they were lost in the defense of our nation."

"The pain of their loss will not easily be overcome by any of us," said Tierney. "Their memory will most certainly endure forever."

Officials say Marine FAST companies spend three months at NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay guarding the fence line that separates U.S. sovereign territory from Cuba.

(Compiled from report by Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Bill Mesta)