HMS Bounty: Coast Guard Search - 14 Rescued
Channel: EdgeTrend
Date: 2012-10-31

The Coast Guard HMS Bounty Rescue Footage - 14 were rescued.

The HMS Bounty was apparently headed to a public appearance in St. Petersburg, Fla., when it sank Monday off the coast of North Carolina amid the howling winds of hurricane Sandy.

Fourteen of the 16 people aboard the replica tall ship [HMS Bounty] were rescued by Coast Guard helicopters. Crew member Claudene Christian was pulled unresponsive from the water and later pronounced dead at a North Carolina hospital. Ship captain Robin Walbridge remained missing as of midday Tuesday. According to the Coast Guard, Walbridge went overboard when the ship rolled from the impact of 18-foot waves.

Coast Guard assets, including a 225-foot cutter, an HC-130 aircraft, and an MH-60 helicopter continued to search for Walbridge, as the water temperature in the area is nearly 80 degrees F. If properly clad in a survival suit, someone could survive in such an environment for a considerable length of time, Coast Guard officials say. Assets were enough, especially for a daring rescue for the HMS Bounty.

Rescue did not commence until daylight. By that time, the crew had split between two inflatable 25-person life rafts to continue their search for the HMS Bounty, which looked like large floating saucers with a cover. Neither Ms. Christian nor Walbridge made it into the life rafts.

The rescue involved Coast Guard divers leaping into the ocean and guiding the survivors, one by one, into a basket for hoist upward to two helicopters. Video of the rescue is very dramatic and a testament to the courage of Coast Guard personnel.

"Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers at this devastating time. We want to thank the USCG for their bravery and risking their lives to save ours," the HMS Bounty Foundation said in a statement.