HAGATNA – A search crew spotted an overturned ship that could be linked to a cargo vessel that went missing near the U.S. territory of Saipan. This incident has raised significant concerns for the six people who were on board.
The HC-130 Hercules crew noticed the vessel early in the day, approximately 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) northeast of where the Mariana was last reported to be. This spot is about 34 nautical miles (63 kilometers) northeast of Pagan, a small island situated north of Saipan in the western Pacific Ocean.
According to the Coast Guard, the overturned ship matched the description of the Mariana, a 145-foot (44-meter) dry cargo vessel registered in the U.S.
The Mariana experienced engine failure on Wednesday as a powerful typhoon, Typhoon Sinlaku, approached Saipan and nearby islands with intense winds and heavy rain. The crew had reported that they lost their starboard engine and required assistance. Following this report, the Coast Guard established a one-hour communication schedule with the vessel.
Unfortunately, contact was lost the next day, Thursday. A search plane was dispatched that morning, but it had to return to Guam due to the severe weather conditions.
The last known position of the Mariana was roughly 140 miles (225 kilometers) north-northwest of Saipan, which lies about 3,800 miles (6,115 kilometers) west of Hawaii. The Coast Guard officials in Honolulu are currently gathering more information about the capsized ship.
As of now, the nationalities of the six missing crew members remain unknown. A U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon crew, along with a Coast Guard cutter and a specialized dive team from the Japanese Coast Guard, are all participating in the ongoing search efforts.
Typhoon Sinlaku has wreaked havoc on Saipan, causing floods, tearing off roofs, and overturning vehicles. Officials reported that the massive storm’s extensive size led to nearly 48 hours of relentless winds, hindering the ability of emergency responders to assess damage and support affected communities.
