In a statement released from Norfolk, Virginia, the US Atlantic Fleet said that Petty Officer First Class Shaun Dale was reported missing Sunday morning when he failed to show for a routine muster.

Search and rescue operations continued late into Sunday, Navy Lieutenant Commander Melissa Scherman told AFP.

When Dale "failed to report to muster, his co-workers immediately investigated his whereabouts," said Scherman.

"After the investigation turned up nothing, the ship initiated a search and rescue effort, launching helicopters," she said.

The ship reversed course to begin retracing its path, the officer said.

Dale is the second sailor to go missing in three days from the ship, which is en route back to its home port of Norfolk, Virginia, following deployment to the Gulf region for the war on Iraq.

On May 23, Dwayne Williams, 23, was lost at sea after falling from the Nassau. A nine-hour search failed to find Williams, whose rank was boatswains mate third class, Scherman said.

WAR.WIRE