HMS three-masted tall ship Bounty
Tall Ship Bounty abandoned, sinks in heavy seas off Hatteras
- On 30/10/2012
- In Maritime News
From gCaptain
Update 3: The Coast Guard has reported that the body of a woman, identified as Ms. Claudene Christian, has been recovered.
A crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., located Christian who was unresponsive, hoisted her into the helicopter and took her to Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City.
The search for the captain, Robin Walbridge, continues approximately 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, N.C., Monday.
Update 2: As of approximately 0845, the USCG reports the Bounty has sunk.
Update 1: Rescuers at the United States Coast Guard swung into action this morning after receiving word that the crew of the 180-foot, three-masted tall ship, Bounty, abandoned ship approximately 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, North Carolina.
The 16-person crew donned cold water survival suits and lifejackets before launching in two 25-person lifeboats. US Coast Guard watchstanders dispatched a pair of MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., to rescue the crew.
The first Jayhawk crew arrived on scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. and hoisted five people into the aircraft, and a second helicopter arrived and rescued nine people.
The 14 people are being flown to Air Station Elizabeth City where they will be met by awaiting emergency medical services personnel.
The C-130 Hercules aircraft remains on scene and is searching for the two missing crewmembers and a third Jayhawk crew is en route to assist search and rescue efforts.
