Story perspectives

Cargo Ship Capsizes in Typhoon; One Dead, Five Missing

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The cargo ship Mariana overturned near the Northern Mariana Islands during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, and authorities recovered the body of one crew member.
Five crew members remain missing.
U.S. Air Force divers used an underwater drone during the search, conducted by the Coast Guard with partners from Guam, Japan, and New Zealand across over 99,000 square miles for the missing crew and a life raft.
The Mariana lost its starboard engine on April 15 and lost contact the following day.
The typhoon caused significant damage, prompting the Northern Mariana government to request a major disaster declaration.

History

Historical Context

In December 1997, Super Typhoon Paka struck the Northern Mariana Islands, causing over $100 million in damages and displacing thousands. This powerful storm followed a series of severe typhoons, including Pongsona in 2002, which further exposed the region's vulnerabilities. The recent incident with the cargo ship Mariana during Super Typhoon Sinlaku underscores the ongoing need for enhanced disaster preparedness and maritime safety in the area.

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Story summary

The cargo ship Mariana overturned near the Northern Mariana Islands during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, and authorities recovered the body of one crew member.
Five crew members remain missing.
U.S. Air Force divers used an underwater drone during the search, conducted by the Coast Guard with partners from Guam, Japan, and New Zealand across over 99,000 square miles for the missing crew and a life raft.
The Mariana lost its starboard engine on April 15 and lost contact the following day.
The typhoon caused significant damage, prompting the Northern Mariana government to request a major disaster declaration.

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