The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that an overturned ship discovered near the U.S. territory of Saipan is the cargo vessel Mariana, which went missing with six crew members on board after suffering engine failure during Typhoon Sinlaku.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that an overturned ship found near Saipan is the cargo vessel Mariana, which went missing with six crew members after suffering engine failure during Typhoon Sinlaku. The search continues as authorities use divers and drones to investigate the wreckage.
- Overturned ship identified as the 145-foot U.S.-flagged cargo vessel Mariana
- Six crew members still missing; Coast Guard and international partners searching
- Ship suffered engine failure during Typhoon Sinlaku, which caused extensive damage on Saipan
- Debris including a partially submerged life raft found near the wreckage
According to multiple reports, the Coast Guard stated it was still searching for the six missing individuals. The overturned boat was first spotted Saturday, with debris including a partially submerged life raft found 95 nautical miles northeast of the vessel. An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from the U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron confirmed the identity of the vessel as the Mariana on Sunday night.
The Coast Guard has deployed rescuers, divers, and boats to investigate the wreckage. If divers locate a viable access point, an underwater remotely operated drone may be employed to further examine the vessel. The search efforts have covered over 75,000 square nautical miles in the vicinity of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Mariana, a 145-foot dry cargo vessel registered in the U.S., suffered engine failure Wednesday as Typhoon Sinlaku bore down on Saipan and nearby islands with fierce winds and relentless rain. After reporting the loss of its starboard engine and requesting assistance, contact was lost with the vessel Thursday. A search plane launched that morning had to return to Guam due to heavy winds.
Typhoon Sinlaku caused significant damage on Saipan, triggering floods, tearing off roofs, and overturning cars. The storm's large size meant the island endured roughly 48 hours of fierce winds, delaying responders' ability to assess damage and help communities. Cleanup crews are now working to clear debris in blustery conditions.
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