A US-flagged cargo vessel has gone missing north of Saipan during the passage of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, reported Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

The offshore supply vessel Mariana, repurposed for cargo, was employed on a regular route between Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. She departed Saipan on April 11 with six crew members aboard, steering north to avoid the storm. The ship loitered east of the island before resuming a northward track.

The US Coast Guard reported that the vessel suffered a starboard engine failure about 140 miles northwest of Saipan. The crew communicated the casualty, and the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Honolulu established hourly communications. All crew members were reported to be in good health.

Contact was lost Wednesday afternoon when the vessel's AIS signal was last received at 1400 hours. Attempts to re-establish communications have failed.

An HC-130J aircraft was dispatched from Honolulu on Thursday but had to return to Guam due to heavy winds. The Coast Guard stated that airborne search operations would resume.

Sinlaku brought typhoon-force winds extending 250 nautical miles from its center, causing damage and power outages across Saipan and Tinian. A small craft advisory remains in effect with winds near 25 knots.

The Honolulu JRCC has appealed for information from mariners or others who may know the status of the missing vessel.