Rescue of HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy

For photos of the rescue crew, visit our Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City Facebook album at the following link: http://goo.gl/mz6t9

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued 14 people from life rafts in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 90 miles southeast of Hatteras N.C., Monday, and two remain missing.

The 14 people were flown to Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., where they were met by awaiting emergency medical services personnel at approximately 10:15 a.m. with no life threatening injuries.

Crews aboard a C-130 Hercules and an MH-60 Jayhawk are searching for the two missing crewmembers. Crews aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Elm and the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin are en route to assist with the search.

The vessel is reportedly sunk, but the mast is still visible.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina initially received a call from the owner of the 180-foot, three mast tall ship, HMS Bounty, saying she had lost communication with the vessel's crew late Sunday evening.

The Coast Guard 5th District command center in Portsmouth subsequently received a signal from the emergency position indicating radio beacon registered to the Bounty, confirming the distress and position.

An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City launched aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, which later arrived on scene and established communications with the Bounty's crew.

Watchstanders dispatched crews aboard two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.

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 16 people donned cold water survival suits and life jackets before launching in two 25-man lifeboats with canopies.

The vessel was reportedly taking on water and without propulsion. On scene weather was reported to be 40 mph winds and 18-foot seas.

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  News & Politics

[QFizzle1992]

Don't forget the helicopter pilots who accompany the swimmers. They are some of the few helicopter pilots in the world who can keep a helicopter steadily hovering in one place in the middle of hurricane force winds. Without skills like that, the swimmer would never be able to get people to the helicopter, plus the fact that most pilots would crash in a situation like that, leaving the entire crew stranded alongside the people they were trying to save. They deserve just as much respect.

[charleybucketcdp]

True heroes. Pure bravery.

[surflaker]

I wouldn't say they deserve just as much respect as the swimmer, but the whole coast guard deserves respect for their service

[ChristianBerkhout]

To indicate that the pilot takes back control of positioning the helicopter, because when overhead the swimmer or raft, he can't see it so the hoist operator gives commands to the pilot.

[uscgswimmer1]

Why does one of the pilots say "cease commands"?

[sias1]

Every United States Coast Guard Enlisted Sailor or Aviator is a Hero beyond most peoples comprehension. 

[skittlesareyum48]

You know, I never even though about that. Coast Guard don't get enough recognition

[VirginianHighlander]

So here we are, the day of reckoning for the "Captain". I am watching the USCG hearing regarding the loss of this ship and the decisions leading up to the loss. In one word to describe it...SCREWED! The Captain was full of hubris and risked many lives. It was the 1st mate that gave the the call to abandon ship. NOT THE CAPTAIN!

[8888stealth]

They need to reconfigure the helicopter system if the pilots so wish for "ALTITUDE-ALTITUDE" To go away. Sheeeesh

[lightining4474]

@QFizzle, they're trained through a Helicopter saftey course and they do pracise in high wind aswell in qurrent strong hurricanes

[neighborhoodwarfare]

You watched The Guardian, didn't you?

[uscgswimmer1]

One of the best lines in The Guardian!