A search-and-rescue operation is currently in progress as two U.S. Navy SEALs have gone missing in the Gulf of Aden while attempting to board a ship off the coast of Somalia, according to undisclosed officials familiar with the matter.

The incident took place on Thursday in the midst of rough seas as the operators were preparing to board the vessel. Tragically, one of them slipped from a ladder and fell into the ocean, prompting the urgent search effort. The identities of the missing personnel have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear which vessel they were attempting to board and the reasons behind their mission.

U.S. forces frequently collaborate with other nations as part of their counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden, which involves verifying credentials and ensuring vessels are not involved in illicit activities. However, this particular incident seems unrelated to the recent U.S.-led strikes in Yemen or the international mission to protect commercial ships from militant attacks.

The U.S. Central Command, responsible for coordinating military activities in the region, confirmed that the missing service members are Navy sailors but has refrained from providing further details until the ongoing personnel recovery operation is completed.

Special Operations forces in the area have often encountered challenging counterterrorism missions and other high-risk operations. Just last November, a refueling accident off the coast of Cyprus resulted in the loss of five crew members from an elite aviation unit.

ABC News initially broke the news about the missing SEALs, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the concerted efforts being made to locate and recover the missing personnel.