Coast Guard Launches Search for Missing Cargo Ship Crew After Typhoon Off Guam

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a search operation for six crewmembers missing at sea after losing contact with the cargo vessel Mariana off the coast of Guam in the aftermath of Typhoon Sinlaku. The dry cargo ship, measuring 145 feet (44 meters), reported engine failure on April 15 and requested assistance, according to Private Third Class Avery Tibbets.

Contact with the Mariana was lost on the afternoon of April 16, prompting the Coast Guard to deploy an HC-130 Hercules aircraft to search for the crew. The aircraft's initial mission was halted due to strong winds caused by the lingering effects of the typhoon, and it had to return to base in Guam. Officials stated that aerial search operations would resume at first light.

Typhoon Sinlaku has caused significant disruption in the region, affecting the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. The storm led to damage on Tinian and Saipan, as well as flash flooding in Guam, where several U.S. military bases are located.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with other federal agencies, is increasing its response efforts as weather conditions start to improve across the islands, according to Robert Fenton, FEMA regional administrator for Region 9. Shelter-in-place orders in affected areas are beginning to lift as recovery operations get underway.

The search for the missing crew continues, with the Coast Guard planning to resume efforts once it is safe for aircraft to operate. There is no immediate update on the status of the Mariana or those on board.