Crew Rescued From Tall Ship Off Hatteras - Two Stilll Missing

Portsmouth, Va. – The Coast Guard rescued 14 people from life rafts and two more remain missing off of Hatteras after abandoning the tall ship HMS Bounty in Hurricane Sandy’s rough seas.

Two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., rescued 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 rescued are being flown to Air Station Elizabeth City where they will be met by emergency medical services personnel.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft remains on scene and is searching for the two missing crewmembers and a third Jayhawk is en route to assist search and rescue efforts.

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

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 air crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City launched aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, which established communications with the Bounty’s crew.

The vessel was taking on water and was without propulsion in 40 mph winds and 18-foot seas.

The Bounty is a replica of the original HMS Bounty, and was built in 1960 for the MGM movie version of Mutiny on the Bounty, which starred Marlon Brando. The Bounty has appeared in many films and documentaries, including Treasure Island, Yellowbeard, Sponge Bob, Square Pants, the Movie, and Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest.

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