EL FARO INCIDENT: USCG RECOVERS BODY

[The_Choose_1]

The ship EL FARO sailed out of Jacksonville Florida on 9/29/2015 and was last heard from on 10/01/2015. That it was taking on water lost propulsion and had a 15-degree list. The crew reported the ship had previously taken on water, but that all flooding had been contained. http://elfaroincident.com/el-faro-updates/coast-guard-news-update-10-02-16-0830/  Thirty Three crew members are on board 28 Americans and 5 Polish Nationals. Coast Guard crews located a life ring belonging to the missing container ship El Faro late Saturday approximately 75 miles northeast of the ship's last know position. http://elfaroincident.com/el-faro-updates/coast-guard-news-release-update-10-03-15-2030/   Here is the web site to get the latest info on the missing ship EL FARO. http://elfaroincident.com/

[The_Choose_1]

Jacksonville, FL (October 4, 2015) – At 12:00 EST Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico issued the following statement regarding ongoing efforts to locate and communicate with the El Faro and her crew.

"This morning TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico's second ship, the El Yunque, and a contracted tugboat reached the area between the last known vicinity of the El Faro and the location that the Coast Guard recovered a life ring yesterday and carried out a visual survey.

The two vessels discovered a container, which appears to be from the El Faro, and observed what appears to be an oil sheen.

At this time there has been no sighting of the El Faro or any life boats.

TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico and the Coast Guard remain focused on the continuing  search for the crew.  The contracted tugs as well as other vessels transiting the area are also keeping a lookout for any sign of the ship.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the 33 individuals aboard the ship and their families.  They are our number one priority."

The dedicated media information line is (866.890.6763) and the incident website is  www.ElFaroIncident.com. TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico continues to work closely with the Coast Guard and all activated resources in the search and will make timely, accurate updates via the website and phone line as they are available.

-30-

Media Contact:

Mike Hanson

mhanson@mtinetworkusa.com

866.890.6763
Posted in El Faro Updates   
Coast Guard News Release Update: 10-03-15 20:30
Posted on October 3, 2015 by Emily Reiter   
Click on image above for video of Coast Guard search effort

MIAMI — Coast Guard crews located a life ring belonging to the missing container ship El Faro late Saturday approximately 75 miles northeast of the ship's last know position.

The El Faro, a 790-foot roll on, roll off, cargo ship, departed Jacksonville, Florida, Sept. 29, en route to San Juan.

A Coast Guard HC-130 search and rescue crew from Air Station Clearwater, Florida, spotted the life ring 120 nautical miles northeast of Crooked Island, Bahamas.  A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew recovered the life ring and confirmed it belonged to the missing ship El Faro.

Search and rescue crews have searched more than 30,000 square-miles since Thursday.

Sea conditions in the search area today have been reported to be 20 to 40-feet with winds in excess to 100 knots.  Visibility for search and rescue flying between 500 and 1,000 feet has been reported to be less than one nautical mile at times.
Posted in El Faro Updates   
TOTE Media Release: 10-3-15 20:25 EST
Posted on October 3, 2015 by Emily Reiter   



Statement from TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico Regarding the El Faro

Jacksonville, FL (October 3, 2015 – 8:15 pm EST) – Based on new information TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico received from the US Coast Guard, Tim Nolan shared the following update with families gathered at the Seafarers International Union Hall in Jacksonville, FL earlier this evening.

"Earlier today, the Coast Guard confirmed that they located a life ring floating at sea which was identified as belonging to the EL Faro. A HC130 plane spotted the ring and a H60 helicopter confirmed it was able to retrieve the ring and the ring was stenciled with markings from the El Faro.

While this reflects that the ship was caught in rough seas and extreme weather, it is in no way indicative of the ship's fate. In fact, it helps confirm the El Faro's possible location and helps the USCG confirm the search areas.  Small items such as life rings and life jackets are lost at sea frequently, particularly in rough weather.

The US Coast Guard has been working tirelessly, allocating numerous air and surface assets to aid in the search.  They will be announcing search plans for Sunday in due course."

-30-

Media Contact:

Mike Hanson

mhanson@mtinetworkusa.com

866.890.6763
Posted in El Faro Updates   
TOTE Media Release: 10-03-15 12:15EST
Posted on October 3, 2015 by Emily Reiter   

Jacksonville, FL (October 3, 2015) – Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, issued the following statement regarding ongoing efforts to locate and communicate with the El Faro and her crew.

"TOTE Maritime continues to work closely with the US Coast Guard and all available resources to locate and establish communication with the El Faro.

As noted in a recent statement from the Coast Guard, search and rescue crews began first light search efforts Saturday with a HC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida. Additional resources are being deployed throughout the day and we will provide updates as we gather information from these efforts.

In addition to a dedicated media information line listed above (866.890.6763) an informational website has been activated for media and interested parties at www.ElFaroIncident.com. Our team continues work closely with the US Coast Guard and all resources activated in the search and will make timely, accurate updates via the website and phone line as they are available."
Posted in El Faro Updates, Uncategorized   
Coast Guard News Release Update: 10-03-15 11:30EST
Posted on October 3, 2015 by Emily Reiter   

MIAMI — The Coast Guard aircrews resumed the search for a missing container ship with 33 crewmembers aboard near Crooked Island, Bahamas.

The El Faro, a 790-foot roll on, roll off, cargo ship, departed Jacksonville, Florida, Sept. 29, en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico. At approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Atlantic Area command center in Portsmouth, Virginia, received an Inmarsat satellite notification stating the El Faro was beset by Hurricane Joaquin, had lost propulsion and had a 15-degree list.  The crew reported the ship had previously taken on water, but that all flooding had been contained. The El Faro has not been heard from for more than 48 hours.

Coast Guard search and rescue crews resumed search efforts early Saturday with a HC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida.

Coast Guard search crews covered more than 850 square nautical miles Friday in the search for the El Faro crew but hurricane force winds and 20 to 30-foot swells hampered search efforts.

Photos of USCG Command Center available on USCG News Feed
Posted in El Faro Updates   
El Faro Update: 10-03-15 07:00AM EST
Posted on October 3, 2015 by Emily Reiter   

SEARCH OPERATIONS RESUMED AT DAYBREAK

Coast Guard search operations were suspended overnight and resumed at first light this morning.

Coast Guard assets deployed include:

    Three C130 aircraft
    USCG Helo helicopter
    Navy P-8 aircraft
    The USCG Cutter Northland, USCG Cutter Resolute, Navy ship and three commercial tugs are enroute to the search location as well

We remain hopeful and will share any updates as they become available. Family members are encouraged to call the Family Resource Line for updates. Media inquiries should be directed to the Media Hotline.
Posted in El Faro Updates   
Coast Guard News Release Update: 10.02.15
Posted on October 2, 2015 by Emily Reiter   

MIAMI — The Coast Guard continues to search for a missing container ship with 33 crewmembers aboard reported to be caught in Hurricane Joaquin, near Crooked Island, Bahamas.

The crew consists of 28 U.S. citizens and five Polish nationals.

Coast Guard search crews have covered approximately 850 square nautical miles in the search for the El Faro crew.

Coast Guard assets involved in Fridays search include:

    Coast Guard Cutter Northland.
    HC-130 Hercules airplanes from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida.
    MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew forward deployed in Great Inagua, Bahamas.

The El Faro, a 735-foot ro-ro cargo ship, was en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville, Florida.  At approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Atlantic Area command center in Portsmouth, Virginia, received an Inmarsat satellite notification stating the El Faro was beset by Hurricane Joaquin, had lost propulsion and had a 15-degree list.  The crew reported the ship had previously taken on water, but that all flooding had been contained.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 7th District command center in Miami launched an HC-130 aircrew out of Clearwater, Florida, to search for the El Faro.  At this time Coast Guard watchstanders and rescue crews have been unable to reestablish communications with the El Faro crew.

Two Hurricane Hunter aircrews attempted to locate and reestablish communications with the El Faro unsuccessfully Friday. Coast Guard crews have temporarily suspended their search for friday at sundown but will continue searching at first light Saturday morning.
Posted in El Faro Updates   
TOTE Media Release: 10-02-15 13:00 EST
Posted on October 2, 2015 by TOTE Communications   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
866.890.6763

Statement from TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico Regarding the Current Situation with El Faro

Jacksonville, FL (October 2, 2015) – Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico issued the following statement regarding the current situation with the El Faro.

"On September 29, the El Faro, one of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico's two ships departed Jacksonville en-route to San Juan Puerto Rico. At the time of the El Faro's departure, the vessel's officers and crew were monitoring what was then Tropical Storm Joaquin. As of 720am EST on Thursday October 1, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico lost all communication with the El Faro. The US Coast Guard was immediately notified and since then we have been unable to reestablish communication. There are a number of possible reasons for the loss of communications among them the increasing severity of Hurricane Joaquin.

TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico's primary concern is for the safety and well-being of the 33 individuals on board. We are working to ensure clear and frequent communications with their families and loved ones as we learn more.

We have reached out to the families of those impacted and have established open lines of communication to provide them with timely updates. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and their families.

TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is working closely with the US Coast Guard and all available resources to establish communication by whatever means possible."
Posted in El Faro Updates   
Coast Guard News Release: 10-02-15 08:30
Posted on October 2, 2015 by TOTE Communications   

COAST GUARD SEARCHING FOR CONTAINER SHIP CAUGHT IN
HURRICANE JOAQUIN

MIAMI – Coast Guard search and rescue crews are searching for a container ship with 33 crewmembers aboard reported to be caught in Hurricane Joaquin, near Crooked Island, Bahamas.

The El Faro, a 735-foot ro-ro cargo ship, was en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville, Florida. At approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Atlantic Area command center in Portsmouth, Virginia, received an Inmarsat satellite notification stating the El Faro was beset by Hurricane Joaquin, had lost propulsion and had a 15-degree list. The crew reported the ship had previously taken on water, but that all flooding had been contained. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 7th District command center in Miami launched an HC-130 aircrew out of Clearwater, Florida, to search for the El Faro. At this time Coast Guard watchstanders and rescue crews have been unable to reestablish communications with the El Faro crew.

Two Air Force C-130 Hurricane Hunter aircrews attempted to locate and reestablish communications with the El Faro unsuccessfully Thursday. Coast Guard crews remain on scene and will continue search efforts Friday by both air and sea.

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Posted in El Faro Updates   
http://elfaroincident.com/el-faro-updates/

[I-10east]

So tragic.

[Ocklawaha]

The USCG has just notified us that they have recovered a body from the sunken container ship.

Ties to Jacksonville

Phil Greene, the president of TOTE, told CNN affiliate WFOX/WSVN that most of the ship's crew members had ties to the Jacksonville area, but it has not released any of their names to the media.

Greene said his focus is on their families, whom he says he's been "upfront" with throughout the ordeal.

CNN affiliate WGME in Portland, Maine, said that at least four of the missing Americans, including El Faro's captain, are from Maine, and that two of them not only graduated from the same high school, but from the same college; Maine Maritime Academy.

CNN reached out to Maine Maritime Academy on Sunday night but did not immediately hear back.

Joaquin disrupts routine voyage

El Faro set out Tuesday on what should have been a routine voyage from Jacksonville, Florida, to Puerto Rico.

But then, Joaquin barreled into the area, growing in strength as it came.

Though family members told WFOX/WSVN that they questioned why the ship sailed into what was then a tropical storm, Greene told the station that the boat's captain felt the conditions were favorable and "was very confident the ship was doing well, the crew was quite up to date."

The mother of one of the missing crew members told WGME that she did not blame the captain.

"The blame that has to be done is on the hurricane, not the captain," she said. "The captain is looking out for his crew."

[David]

It is tragic....I think most of us have the same question:  Why was the ship taking a path directly through a cat 4 hurricane?

Maybe they didn't think it would intensify so rapidly.

[Ocklawaha]

It's a common misconception that large ships should stay in port during a hurricane. It is a certain way to have your ship/investment bashed to pieces on the wharf, or even carried a mile or so inland and deposited high and dry. Big ships usually opt to ride it out pointing the bow into the waves on the high seas.

Y'all will recall the tracks that said Joaquin might strike Jacksonville?

At the time they sailed, the storm was merely another tropical storm, such as we've seen all this season. A tropical storm headed M/L toward Jacksonville at the time, means the decision to sail wasn't ill informed, merely a very tragic twist of fate.

At some point the mechanical's broke down and they lost power meaning they could no longer steer directly into those 40 foot seas. Once she turned about and those waves started hitting her sides, she was in some serious peril. They said they had taken on water and were listing (leaning) 15 degrees, then came back that they had restored power... Apparently that was a temporary situation and once she rolled to the side again, listing and heavy, she most likely rolled over meaning its unlikely anyone got off alive.

Our hearts and prayers go out to our neighbors, families and friends, this is indeed a very sad incident.

[David]

That is terrible. I suppose once they saw the storm was intensifying it was too late to change course. I was hoping for the best on this one...

[The_Choose_1]

#Authorities said 29 Americans and four Polish crew members were on board." http://www.news4jax.com/news/coast-guard-to-brief-monday-on-el-faro/35656756 and as the day moves forward we will find out how many of these Americans lived right here in the Jacksonville area. 

[thelakelander]

Pretty sad. I know someone who was on that ship. Hopefully, they'll find some survivors soon. Here's another article in the UK's Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3259040/Family-members-crew-board-El-Faro-demand-know-vessel-set-sail-Hurricane-Joaquin.html

[Tacachale]

An awful story. Hopefully the rescue mission turns up some survivors.

[CCMjax]

Awful story.  Two tragic and unfortunate events that couldn't have been predicted when they set out . . . storm intensifies and ship loses power.  Terrible news.

[fsujax]

This is so sad. Actually made the news here in Alaska.

[Dog Walker]

I think I read somewhere yesterday that if the ship has sunk with all on board that it would be the worst maritime disaster to hit American shipping in 60 years.

"to those in peril on the sea!"

[Ethylene]

The mysterious loss of the SS Poet, November 1980:

http://98.139.236.92/search/srpcache?p=%22the+poet%22+fall+1980+maritime+vessel+lost+at+sea&hsimp=yhs-002&hspart=mozilla&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&ei=UTF-8&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=%22the+poet%22+fall+1980+maritime+vessel+lost+at+sea&d=4535263644091635&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=s61J4HN_cZcOZiAPgxJYomy4D8MkuEzO&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=4g9Z5rQG7vNnSp7F4CqY2g--

[Josh]

Updated thread title is inaccurate. The Coast Guard discovered a body, but they did not recover it.