By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
OFFICIALS of the Commonwealth Ports Authority and representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard were set to meet Monday, May 11, 2026, to decide the fate of two yachts previously owned by Imperial Pacific International, one of which is disrupting port operations after being displaced by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The Grand Marianas 4 and Grand Marianas 5 have been berthed at the Port of Saipan’s Delta Dock since IPI’s closure in March 2020.
In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku on March 14, 2026, the Grand Marianas 5 was found submerged, while the Grand Marianas 4 drifted next to the North Seaplane Ramp, blocking access for the M/V Jayden, which is owned by GPPC Inc.
GPPC Inc. contract manager Anita Pagulayan brought the matter to the attention of Port of Saipan Manager McQueen Masaharu, asking for assistance in removing the vessel from the area. She said the yacht poses hazards to other maritime businesses using the docking facility.
On Jan. 16, 2026, Masaharu issued a 10-day notice to the new owner of the two yachts, demanding payment of outstanding citations, storage fees and other charges related to the “prolonged abandonment of the vessels on CPA premises.”
Failure to comply with the notice, the ports manager said, could result in further action. CPA, he added, may pursue federal or commercial channels, if necessary, to remove the vessels.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
