Update on the Coast Guard's search for the missing cargo vessel Mariana

U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron divers recovered one deceased individual from the overturned cargo vessel Mariana during dive operations Monday evening. The divers conducted a comprehensive subsurface evaluation of the Mariana's exterior and used an underwater remotely operated drone to search the interior of the vessel.

On Tuesday afternoon, the crew of the Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel Akitsushima arrived on scene alongside Coast Guard Cutter Frederick Hatch and deployed divers to further examine the vessel. Divers did not locate any additional crew members.

Coast Guard aircrews continue to search for the five missing crewmen and an orange 12-person life raft in the vicinity of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“Our hearts are with the families of the Mariana crew members and the communities impacted by this tragic incident. We continue to search in close coordination with our partners, using all available resources to support the ongoing response.” — CDR Preston Hieb, search and rescue mission coordinator, Oceania District