HMS Bounty capsizes off Carolina; search continues for captain
Posted:
Updated:
By Darlene Hill, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The search continues Tuesday for the captain of the HMS Bounty, which capsized off the coast of North Carolina during the crew's attempt to get ahead of hurricane Sandy.
There were 16 crew members onboard when hurricane Sandy started tossing around waves on the North Carolina coast and the ship began to take on water. Then, the engine stopped and the crew abandoned ship. There are concerns that the captain may have gone down with the ship.
"This just was an amazing ship," HMS Bounty owner said of the ship. "Everybody that stepped aboard her fell in love with her."
That's why the owner of the HMS Bounty says Captain Robin Wallbridge loved this 18th century replica tall ship, which was used in films like Mutiny on the Bounty and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Her final hours were spent as dramatic as the Hollywood films it once starred in.
The coast guard rescued 14 people. One by one, they were taken into a basket which was hoisted up into a helicopter.
28-year-old Drew Salapatek lives in suburban Blue Island and is recovering on the east coast. His neighbor told FOX Chicago News that he and his mother have been talking about this voyage since last summer.
"They were telling me all about it--they were excited," said neighbor Elizar Delos Santos. "He was excited and he said he really loved doing it--and that was the last time I talked to him."
A female crew member's body was found hours later unresponsive. The search continues for the captain.
Wallbridge, a teacher, was in Chicago with the Bounty for the Tall Ships Tour at Navy Pier a few years ago. He talked about his love of sailing.
"I think it's pretty exciting to be a captain of a ship like this...what's interesting is that today I get to go in all the cool places, "Wallbridge said back then. "The biggest reward is that you get to know the vessel like this and it becomes a part of your life. You just become one with the vessel."
The captain's wife told a local newspaper in Florida that her husband died because he probably didn't want to leave the ship before the coast guard showed up.
Hours after the rescue, a female crew member's body was found unresponsive.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:44:55 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:41:10 GMT
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:28:58 GMT
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:20:15 GMT
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:17 GMT
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
