Full Breakdown
Search Suspended for Missing Crew of Cargo Ship Mariana After Typhoon Sinlaku
4/29/2026, 11:52:04 PM
Event Overview
On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the suspension of a more-than-100-hour search for five missing crew members of the 145-foot cargo vessel *Mariana*. Divers recovered one body on April 21; the other five crew remain unaccounted for.
Background & Context
The *Mariana* reported a starboard-engine failure on April 15 while about 140 miles northwest of Saipan. Hours later Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with sustained winds up to 150 mph, struck the archipelago, causing flooding and severe damage. The vessel capsized on April 18 northeast of Pagan Island.
Timeline
April 15 – distress call reporting engine loss;
April 18 – capsized hull sighted;
April 21 – one body recovered;
April 29 – search halted after 100 hours covering an area larger than California.
Key Figures & Agencies
Commander Preston Hieb leads the U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District. The crew includes Frederick L. Nosek Jr., Landon Delos Reyes, Jose L. Ramirez, Mohammed A. Rahaman, Chet R. Brochon, and Vincent B. Agulto. Search assets involved the U.S. Navy, Japan Coast Guard and Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Data & Statistics
The 145-foot vessel carried six crew; five remain missing. The search spanned over 135,000 sq nm—larger than California—and located a partially submerged life raft 110 miles away.
Community Response
Saipan residents gathered at the Fishermen Memorial Monument for a shoreline vigil, recalling a 1986 capsizing. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Chalan Kanoa offered prayers and thanked rescuers for their bravery.
Official Statements & Responses
Commander Hieb said the decision followed exhaustive coordination with families and international partners. The Diocese emphasized its deepest prayers and praised the bravery of service members. Agencies noted all available resources had been deployed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the wreck’s distance from Pagan—40 miles versus 34 nautical miles—and on the search-area size. The recovered crew member’s identity was not disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The decision to suspend the search is an incredibly difficult one that is only made after very careful consideration of all available information,” — Cmdr. Preston Hieb, U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District
- “From working and communicating with the families, I know how devastated they are by this outcome.” — Cmdr. Preston Hieb, U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District
- “We offer our deepest prayers and ask for God’s comfort and strength to surround their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” — Roman Catholic Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, Saipan
- “CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan said it was the strongest storm to develop in 2026.” — Nikki Nolan, CBS News meteorologist
What’s Next
Coast Guard will continue monitoring the area, provide ongoing support to families, and review response protocols for future incidents.
