Marine Strong Wind · Guam Waters

A trade-wind surge affecting eastern Micronesia with winds estimated to be around 20 to 25 knots, according to satellite scatterometer data. Wind waves with a mixed trade swell and longer period north swell, generated choppy seas, estimated to be around 8 to 11 feet based on satellite altimetry, around Majuro Atoll near the end of December. On December 30th a motorboat left Majuro between 1700LST to 1730LST (1500ChST to 1530ChST) in the late afternoon and was heading east to Arno Atoll, roughly 30 miles away. The boat had seven individuals onboard (5 men and 2 women) and was reported missing at 2100LST (1900ChST) when the boat did not arrive at Arno as scheduled. Rescuers found 2 survivors, 3 men, while only 1 male body was recovered about half way between Majuro and Arno Atolls as the boat had sunk. The other 2 men and 2 women were not found and presumed lost. Age of the victims was not given and not estimate on the cost of the boat was available.

Choppy seas around 8 to 11 feet, created by long-period north swell from distant systems in the northern Pacific and an elevated trade swell, caused hazardous marine conditions.