US Navy: Sailor lost overboard in Baltic Sea was from NC

A U.S. Navy sailor from North Carolina fell overboard on Monday in the Baltic Sea, and the search-and-rescue efforts have been called off.

Officials said search and rescue efforts started while on watch Monday afternoon, one of USS Arleigh Burke's lookouts noticed a person in the water and the ship conducted man overboard procedures.

On Thursday, the Navy identified the sailor as Seaman Recruit David "Dee" Spearman.

"We are devastated and we are still waiting on the report," said Nikki McKeithan Spearman, the sailor's mother, in a message. "We have been in touch with the Navy daily and almost hourly.

"We are so proud of our Navy and we have to be patient for they are still on a mission."

“This bright young man made an oversized positive impact on Arleigh Burke,” said Cmdr. Pete Flynn, the commanding officer of the USS Arleigh Burke in a news release. “My entire crew’s thoughts and prayers are with Seaman Recruit Spearman’s family and friends.

“We offer our most sincere condolences for their loss. Thank you to the Swedish and German navies, the U.S. Air Force and the Sailors from Arleigh Burke for their extensive efforts to search for our shipmate.”

Citing the ongoing investigation, Navy Public Affairs Officer Richlyn Ivey said she could not provide specific details about happened to initiate the search for David Spearman or when he was last seen on board.

"We are very proud of all the Navy men and women who serve and have been searching for our son, 'Dee,' night and day out in the Baltic Sea," Nikki McKeithan Spearman wrote.