A terrifying situation is unfolding in the Pacific after a U.S.-flagged cargo ship capsized during a powerful typhoon—leaving multiple crew members missing and a desperate search underway.
The vessel, the Mariana, a 145-foot cargo ship, overturned after being hit by Typhoon Sinlaku near the Mariana Islands, a region that includes Guam and the Northern Marianas.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship first ran into trouble on April 15 when it suffered engine failure about 140 miles north-northwest of the island chain. The crew initially stayed in contact with officials, but communication was later lost.
Days later, the worst was confirmed.
Search crews recovered the body of one crew member on April 20 during dive operations led by the U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron. The identity of the victim has not been released.
Five other crew members are still missing, along with a 12-person life raft that has yet to be located.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with air and sea teams continuing to search the vast ocean area in hopes of finding survivors.
Officials say the conditions have made the operation extremely challenging, but crews are using every available resource to continue the mission.
“Our hearts are with the families of the crew members,” a Coast Guard official said, emphasizing that the search remains a top priority.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Coast Guard as the race against time continues.
