By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
A LARGE crowd gathered at the 13 Fishermen Pavilion on Friday to pray with the families of five mariners still missing after the M/V Marianas overturned at the height of Super Typhoon Sinlaku last week.
The ceremony began at 6 p.m. with a Mass celebrated by Father James Balajadia and drew more than 100 people, including fellow mariners, who offered prayers for the safety of Capt. Frederick L. Nosek Jr., Mate Chet R. Brochon, Chief Engineer Jose L. Ramirez, QMED Engineer Vincent T. Benavente Agulto, Able Seaman Mohammed A. Rahaman, and Ordinary Seaman Landon G. Delos Reyes.
Authorities have yet to identify the body of a deceased crew member recovered from the vessel.
After the Mass and rosary, family members released candles into the lagoon.
“Right now, there is a lot of love and support from the community,” said Cuki Alvarez, who has known Nosek since childhood and worked with him in the seafaring industry for more than 25 years.
“Of course, as a fellow mariner, you never want to hear these types of things,” he said. “You always hope that whenever they go out to sail, they come back. To hear that they haven’t come back yet is emotionally hard for us to deal with.”
Like others at the vigil, Alvarez said he continues to hope for the mariners’ safe return.
“There is always a glimmer of hope,” he said, noting that one life raft has not been accounted for. “They may still be on that raft, so I am holding on to hope right now, and the rest I’m leaving to God.”
He urged the families to remain strong.
“That is the only thing we can do in this hard time,” he said.
Looking around the pavilion, Alvarez said the turnout reflected the community’s deep appreciation for mariners.
“Look at all these people who love and care for our mariners who go out to serve all of us here in the CNMI,” he said. “They make sure we receive what we need from the outside world.”
“I am grateful. I’m overwhelmed. But at the same time, I’m not surprised that so many people came to show their love and support,” he added.
Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho said the gathering demonstrated the strength of the community.
“Right now, being here at this special prayer ceremony shows that we still have that strong community spirit,” he said. “In the face of hardship after the typhoon, this turnout shows the love and support we need at this time.”
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.
