US Coast Guard Launches Pacific Search for Six Missing After Cargo Ship Vanishes in Typhoon
The US Coast Guard has initiated a large-scale search operation in the Pacific Ocean for six individuals after losing contact with a disabled cargo vessel off the coast of Guam, as Typhoon Sinlaku continues to batter the region. The 145-foot dry cargo ship, named the Mariana, has not been heard from since Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2026, following reports of a lost starboard engine the previous day.
Search Efforts Hampered by Severe Weather Conditions
An HC-130 Hercules aircraft was dispatched to locate the missing vessel but was forced to return to Guam due to heavy winds and dangerous weather conditions associated with Typhoon Sinlaku. Private Third Class Avery Tibbets confirmed that search efforts are expected to resume at first light, when conditions may improve sufficiently to allow for safer aerial reconnaissance and potential maritime operations.
The Mariana reported its engine failure on April 15, with all communications ceasing abruptly the following afternoon. This has raised significant concerns for the safety of the six people aboard, as the vessel was operating in an area experiencing extreme tropical storm conditions.
Typhoon Sinlaku Causes Widespread Damage Across Mariana Islands
Typhoon Sinlaku has been wreaking havoc across the Northern Mariana Islands throughout the week, causing substantial damage on Tinian and Saipan, and triggering flash flooding in Guam. The island of Guam is home to several critical American military bases, adding complexity to the emergency response efforts.
As the dangerous weather conditions begin to ease and shelter-in-place orders are gradually lifted, federal agencies are intensifying their response to the typhoon's aftermath. Robert Fenton, FEMA regional administrator for Region 9, which includes Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, confirmed on Friday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal bodies are ramping up their operations to address the widespread impacts of the storm.
Rescue Operations Face Challenges in 10-Foot Swells
In a related incident, federal agents and sailors were recently saved after a rescue attempt in 10-foot swells went wrong, highlighting the perilous conditions facing search and rescue teams in the region. This underscores the difficulties the Coast Guard and other responders are encountering as they navigate the aftermath of Typhoon Sinlaku while searching for the missing cargo ship and its crew.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities monitoring weather patterns closely to determine the optimal windows for continuing the search. The safety of rescue personnel is being prioritized alongside the urgent mission to locate the six missing individuals aboard the Mariana.
