HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that an overturned ship discovered in the waters near Saipan is the Mariana, a cargo vessel that went missing with six crew members on board during a recent typhoon. The ship was first reported missing after its crew communicated their engine failure as the storm, known as Typhoon Sinlaku, approached the region.
An Air Force HC-130 Hercules airplane crew identified the vessel on Sunday night. It was last known to be in communication with the Coast Guard, but contact was abruptly lost on Thursday. A search effort commenced, but was hindered by hazardous weather conditions.
The Mariana, measuring 145 feet in length and registered in the U.S., experienced mechanical failure just before the typhoon made landfall, compelling the crew to request assistance. The Coast Guard had established a communication protocol with the ship to monitor its status prior to losing contact.
An Air Force HC-130 Hercules airplane crew identified the vessel on Sunday night. It was last known to be in communication with the Coast Guard, but contact was abruptly lost on Thursday. A search effort commenced, but was hindered by hazardous weather conditions.
The Mariana, measuring 145 feet in length and registered in the U.S., experienced mechanical failure just before the typhoon made landfall, compelling the crew to request assistance. The Coast Guard had established a communication protocol with the ship to monitor its status prior to losing contact.
