In brief
After a severe typhoon hit Saipan, the U.S. Coast Guard identified an overturned cargo ship as the Mariana, which went missing with six people aboard. The vessel experienced engine failure before contact was lost, prompting an ongoing search operation.
HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that an overturned ship found near Saipan is the Mariana, which had gone missing with six crew members on board after a dangerous typhoon swept through the region. The Coast Guard reported that the ship was first spotted on Saturday, and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from the U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron verified the vessel's identity late Sunday. The 145-foot dry cargo vessel experienced engine failure on Wednesday, just as Typhoon Sinlaku was hitting Saipan and surrounding islands with powerful winds and heavy rains. After the crew reported losing their starboard engine and requested assistance, the Coast Guard established a communication protocol. However, contact with the ship was lost on Thursday, and a search operation was launched. Due to severe weather conditions, the search aircraft had to return to Guam without locating the vessel. Operations are ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to find the six missing individuals.
