Full Breakdown
Search Suspended for Missing Crew of U.S.-Flagged Cargo Ship Mariana After Super Typhoon Sinlaku
5/1/2026, 3:15:16 PM
Capsized Cargo Ship Mariana and Search Suspension
On April 29 2026 the U.S. Coast Guard announced the suspension of the search for five missing crew members of the vessel Mariana. The ship capsized near Northern Mariana Islands after reporting engine failure on April 15. Divers recovered one body on April 20; the other five remain missing.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s Impact
Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck the Northern Mariana Islands on April 18 with sustained winds up to 150 mph. The typhoon caused wind damage, flooding, and the loss of its starboard engine, prompting crew’s distress call.
Crew, Partners, and Search Scope
Crew members: Frederick L. Nosek Jr., Landon Delos Reyes, Jose L. Ramirez, Mohammed A. Rahaman, Chet R. Brochon, and Vincent B. Agulto. The search involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron, Navy, Japan Coast Guard and Royal New Zealand Air Force. 100 hours of operations covered about 135,000 sq nm, larger than California.
Timeline of Key Events
Engine failure reported on April 15, 140 mi north-northwest of Saipan. A Coast Guard HC-130 sortie launched on April 16 but returned due to winds. The vessel was spotted on April 18, 35 nm northeast of Pagan. One body was recovered on April 20. After a 100-hour, 135,000-sq-nm search, effort was suspended on April 29.
Community Impact and Reactions
Residents held a shoreline vigil near the 13 Fishermen Memorial Monument. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Chalan Kanoa offered prayers. Captain’s cousin Lucille Camacho Hilario said the suspension notice “pierced our hearts…hurts so much.”
Official Statements
Coast Guard officials said the decision followed a careful review of information and family communication. International partners were thanked.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact distance of the capsized vessel from Pagan Island (34 nm vs. 40 mi) and on the distress call’s location (both cited as 140 mi north-northwest of Saipan). The recovered body’s identity was not disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are deeply saddened to announce that despite widespread efforts, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our search for the missing crew members of the Mariana,” — Cmdr. Preston Hieb, U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District
- “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
- “We were told a bit back of the possibility of suspension, but when we got the message a few minutes ago, it truly pierced our hearts…hurts so much,” — Lucille Camacho Hilario, cousin of Captain Frederick Nosek Jr.
- “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
