Strong Wind — Marshall Islands, Guam

2023-02-06 to 2023-02-10 · Marshall Islands, Guam

Event narrative

A trade-wind surge developed and extend across the Micronesia region, from the Marshall Islands to the western edge of Chuuk State. the ASCAT (Advance Scatterometer) satellite product showed surface winds mainly around 25 to 30 knots starting around February 6 and continuing through February 10. Seas reported from satellite altimetry showed seas around 10 to 12 feet and possibly reaching up to 15 feet at times near the Marshall islands, with some of the highest winds and seas being reported by satellite on February 8th and 9th. The Yap Seagull sunk during the early morning hours of February 10th as crew discovered a crack in the hull that developed during the week long fishing trip, likely from the rough seas generated by sustained winds around 30 knots. The entire ship was lost along most personal property, however the entire 22 mixed-nationality member crew on Yap Seagull made it to safety via the life boats before the vessel was lost in the coastal waters off of Majuro. Records found online showed Yap Seagull was operated by Diving Seagull Inc. in Yap State and bought the boat for 3.5 million USD back in 2010 and this was used as an estimate for property damage.

Wider weather episode

The 200 foot Micronesia registered fishing vessel, Yap Seagull, sunk off the coast of Majuro. The boat was battered by rough seas generated by a trade-wind surge days prior the sinking.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1084084. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.