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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Crew of ship that went down in Sandy identified

Emery Dalesio Associated Press

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (AP) — The Coast Guard is identifying the crew of a replica 18th-century sailing vessel that went down off the North Carolina coast and says the missing are the captain and a 42-year-old woman.

The Coast Guard says they are searching for the ship’s captain, 63-year-old Robin Walbridge, and crew member Claudene Christian. The HMS Bounty began taking on water and the crew had to abandon ship about 5 a.m. Monday in the rough waters churned up by Hurricane Sandy. All of the other crew members were rescued.

The Coast Guard says Walbridge and Christian were able to put on survival suits designed to keep them afloat and protect them from chilly waters for 15 hours. The Coast Guard is searching for the two by air and water.