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An overturned cargo ship discovered near the US territory of Saipan has been confirmed as a vessel that went missing with six people on board following a recent typhoon, the US Coast Guard announced.
The Coast Guard stated on Monday that the search for the six individuals continues. The capsized boat was initially sighted on Saturday, with debris, including a partially submerged and inflated life raft, located 95 nautical miles (175 kilometres) northeast of the vessel.
An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from the US Air Force's 31st Rescue Squadron positively identified the ship as the cargo vessel Mariana on Sunday night. Rescuers, divers, and boats were subsequently deployed to the scene.
Authorities indicated that if divers can locate a suitable access point, an underwater remotely operated drone may be utilised to further investigate the ship.
Debris covers the ground in Saipan after a super typhoon with ferocious winds and relentless rains, shredded tin roofs and forced residents to take cover from flying tree limbs. (AP)
Coast Guard air crews continued to search for the six in the vicinity of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. So far, the guard and partnering agencies from Guam, Japan and New Zealand have covered over 75,000 square nautical miles (257,242 square kilometers), the release said.
The Mariana, a 145-foot (44-meter) dry cargo vessel registered in the U.S., suffered engine failure Wednesday as a massive typhoon bore down on Saipan and nearby islands with fierce winds and relentless rain.
After the crew reported that the boat had lost its starboard engine and needed assistance, the Coast Guard set up a one-hour communication schedule with the vessel.
But contact was lost Thursday. A HC-130 plane launched that morning to conduct a search, but it returned to Guam due to heavy winds.The Mariana's last known position had been about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north-northwest of Saipan, which is about 3,800 miles (6,115 kilometers) west of Hawaii.
Typhoon Sinlaku triggered floods, tore off roofs and overturned cars on Saipan. Officials said the storm's large size meant that the island endured roughly 48 hours of fierce winds, which delayed responders' ability to assess damage and help communities.