A ROYAL Marine recruit is fighting for life after being found face down in freezing water during a beach assault exercise.
The man, who has not been named, was taking part in the exercise on Tregantle beach, Cornwall, when he got into difficulties yesterday.
Comrades gave their colleague CPR as they battled to save him and he was later airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
The Commando hopeful remains in a critical condition.
It is understood the training involved recruits bailing out of an assault boat.
A source told The Sun: “We were doing a tactical beach landing at Tregantle, and ‘Out Troops’ was called.
“The recruits got off and then went up to their eyeballs in water. It was below freezing and they were all over the place so the crew recovered them.”
It was then discovered that one of the recruits was not accounted for. He was later found unconscious in the water.
After administering first aid, an air ambulance was called and the recruit was rushed to hospital.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, the Royal Navy confirmed.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving a member of the Royal Marines in Plymouth.
“The next of kin have been informed and we ask for privacy for the family.
“The incident is currently under investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service, said: “South Western Ambulance Service was called on Tuesday at 10.01pm about an incident at Tregantle Beach, Cornwall.
“The caller reported to us that a person had gone underwater. We sent land, air and other specialist paramedics to attend the incident.
“They treated a male patient at the scene and he was conveyed by air ambulance for further care.”
Sources said the beach storm drill is one of the final exercises in the Royal Marines’ training, about four weeks from the course’s end.
The beach in Cornwall is regularly used by the Marines for exercises.
Last year the Royal Marines used robots acting as enemy forces on the beach in a Commando Warrior exercise.
The Sun revealed this week that the Army have suspended the use of almost 400 armoured vehicles after a contractor was crushed to death.
The slow-release door is understood to have failed on a Wolfhound troop carrier, and suddenly snapped shut on a 58-year-old man.
