HAGATNA, Guam — In the turbulent aftermath of a typhoon ravaging the Northern Mariana Islands, an intensive search operation is underway for six crew members of a cargo ship that capsized amid the storm’s fury. Teams from multiple nations are combing the Pacific waters, seeking any signs of life.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that an overturned ship sighted on Saturday is indeed the cargo vessel Mariana. This identification was made by an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 31st Rescue Squadron, which was dispatched to the area. The aircraft facilitated the deployment of divers and boats to the scene.
In their efforts, the rescue team plans to use an underwater remotely operated vehicle to inspect the vessel further, provided a feasible entry point is found, according to a statement from the Coast Guard.
Amid the search, debris, including a partially submerged inflatable life raft, was discovered approximately 110 miles (177 kilometers) northeast of where the ship was found overturned. This discovery raises hopes of locating the missing crew.
Air crews from the Coast Guard continue their search operations in the vicinity of the Northern Marianas, yet the identities and nationalities of the missing individuals remain undisclosed.
The search efforts, involving agencies from Guam, Japan, and New Zealand, have been extensive, covering an area exceeding 99,000 square miles (256,000 square kilometers), as reported by the Coast Guard.
The Mariana, a 145-foot (44-meter) dry cargo vessel registered in the U.S., suffered engine failure on Wednesday as Typhoon Sinlaku bore down on the island chain, which is home to roughly 50,000 people.
After the crew reported that the ship had lost its starboard engine and needed assistance, the Coast Guard set up a one-hour communication schedule with the vessel, the guard said.
But contact was lost on Thursday.
An HC-130 plane launched that morning to conduct a search, but it returned to Guam due to heavy winds.
The Mariana’s last known position was about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north-northwest of Saipan, which is the capital of the Northern Marianas, and about 3,800 miles (6,115 kilometers) west of Hawaii.
Typhoon Sinlaku triggered floods, tore off roofs, and overturned cars on Saipan.
The islands endured roughly 48 hours of fierce winds, which delayed responders’ ability to assess damage and help communities, officials said.
