North Carolina ocean search continues for tall ship’s captain

  • By EMERY P. DALESIO
  • Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 11:43 a.m.
  • Text size: A A A
In this July 1, 2004 photo, HMS Bounty Capt. Robin Walbridge stands on the deck of the ship during tours in Sandusky, Ohio. The Coast Guard on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 said they are searching for the 63-year-old Walbridge after the 18th-century sailing vessel went down off the North Carolina coast, . (AP Photo/The Sandusky Register, Jason Werling)

Associated Press

ELIZABETH CITY — The Coast Guard continues searching the Atlantic 90 miles off the North Carolina coast for the captain of the HMS Bounty, which sank during Hurricane Sandy.

Coast Guard Capt. Joe Kelly said Tuesday that 63-year-old Robin Walbridge from St. Petersburg, Fla., could still be alive in the Gulf Stream waters more than a day after the replica 18th-century sailing vessel sank in high winds and waves. The Coast Guard says the ocean temperature in the search area is nearly 80 degrees.

Kelly says Wallbridge went overboard early Monday when the ship rolled as the deck slid below 18-foot waves.

The Coast Guard rescued 14 crew members by helicopter Monday. Hours later they found 42-year-old Claudene Christian, who was later declared dead.

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