Full Breakdown
U.S. Coast Guard Suspends Search for Mariana Crew After Typhoon Sinlaku Capsizes Vessel
5/1/2026, 4:53:48 PM
The Mariana Capsizes Amid Super Typhoon Sinlaku
On April 15, the 145-foot U.S.–registered dry cargo ship Mariana reported starboard-engine failure about 140 mi northwest of Saipan. Within hours, Super Typhoon Sinlaku passed over the area with winds near 115 mph and 30-ft seas, causing the vessel to overturn roughly 34 nm northeast of Pagan Island. All six crew members were lost; divers later recovered one unidentified body.
Typhoon Sinlaku’s Impact on the Northern Mariana Islands
Sinlaku was the strongest storm recorded worldwide in 2026. The system battered Saipan, Tinian and surrounding islands for roughly 48 hours, toppling roofs, flooding streets and leaving 15,624 customers without power on Saipan. The Commonwealth’s government issued boil-water notices and reported 662 downed power poles.
Crew and Responding Agencies
The six crew members were identified as Frederick L. Nosek Jr., Landon Delos Reyes, Jose L. Ramirez, Mohammed A. Rahaman, Chet R. Brochon and Vincent B. Agulto. Search assets included U.S. Coast Guard cutters *Frederick Hatch* and *Oliver Henry*, HC-130 Hercules aircraft, U.S. Navy and Air Force units, the Japan Coast Guard, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Japanese divers.
Timeline of the Incident and Search Operations
- April 15 – Distress call after engine failure.
- April 16 – Coast Guard loses contact.
- April 18 – Overturned hull spotted by a Barbers Point HC-130 crew.
- April 21 – U.S. Air Force divers recover one crew member’s body.
- April 29 – Coast Guard announces suspension of the search.
Search Effort Scale and Findings
The operation lasted more than 100 hours, covering over 135,000 sq nm—an area larger than the state of California. Teams searched for an orange, 12-person life raft; later, a partially submerged inflatable raft was located about 110 mi from the wreck. No additional bodies were found.
Official Statements from Authorities and Community
Cmdr. Preston Hieb, Oceania District search coordinator, expressed deep sorrow and noted the decision followed “very careful consideration of all available information.” The Roman Catholic Diocese of Chalan Kanoa offered prayers and gratitude to responders. Chief Petty Officer Corinne Zilnicki highlighted the extreme weather that hampered communications and rescue efforts.
On-the-Ground Reactions and Community Vigil
Residents gathered near the Fishermen Memorial Monument for a shoreline vigil, honoring the Mariana crew and recalling a 1986 typhoon tragedy. Local officials and volunteers from Hawaii continued debris removal and infrastructure repairs.
Conflicting Details and Information Gaps
Sources differ on the life-raft description—one cites an “orange, 12-person” raft, another a “partially submerged inflatable” raft. The identity of the crew member whose body was recovered remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are deeply saddened to announce that despite widespread efforts, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our active search for the missing crew members,” — 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 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
- “the typhoon created severe weather conditions in the area; when the vessel manager and Coast Guard lost communications with the Mariana, it is estimated they were experiencing winds of 115 mph and 30-foot seas.” — Chief Petty Officer Corinne Zilnicki, Coast Guard District Oceania spokesperson
Ongoing Investigation and Relief Efforts
The Coast Guard now leads a joint investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board. Relief work continues as power restoration progresses and water services are gradually reinstated across Saipan and Tinian.
