The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed Monday that an overturned vessel found in the Pacific Ocean near the U.S. territory of Saipan is the cargo ship Mariana, which went missing with six crew members aboard during Typhoon Sinlaku. The search for survivors continues.
The 145-foot dry cargo vessel, registered in the United States, lost its starboard engine Wednesday as the massive typhoon closed in on Saipan and surrounding islands. After the crew reported the engine failure, the Coast Guard established hourly communications — but contact was lost Thursday. An initial search by an HC-130 Hercules airplane had to be aborted due to heavy winds, CBS News reported.
The overturned boat was first spotted Saturday, approximately 140 miles north-northwest of Saipan. Debris including a partially submerged, partly inflated life raft was found 95 nautical miles from the vessel. An Air Force rescue squadron confirmed the ship's identity Sunday night and deployed divers, rescuers, and boats. Officials said a remotely operated underwater drone may be used if divers locate a viable access point.
The search effort has been extensive, covering more than 75,000 square nautical miles with assistance from agencies in Guam, Japan, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Saipan itself is reeling from the typhoon's devastation. Sinlaku struck the Northern Mariana Islands with sustained winds of up to 150 mph, tearing off roofs, overturning cars, and triggering widespread flooding. Before landfall, the storm's winds peaked at 175 mph, making it the strongest storm to develop in 2026. Cleanup crews were seen working in blustery conditions as the island territory began the long process of recovery.
