Joaquin Batters Bahamas; Fate of Cargo Ship Uncertain

Hurricane Joaquin destroyed houses, uprooted trees and unleashed heavy flooding as it hurled torrents of rain across the Bahamas on Friday, and the U.S. Coast Guard said it was trying to reach a disabled cargo ship with 33 people aboard that lost contact during the storm.

The Coast Guard said the 735-foot (224-meter) ship named El Faro had taken on water and was listing at 15 degrees near Crooked Island, one of the islands most battered by the hurricane. Officials said the crew includes 28 U. S. citizens and five from Poland.

“This vessel is disabled basically right near the eye of Hurricane Joaquin,” said Capt. Mark Fedor. “We’re going to go and try and save lives. We’re going to push it to the operational limits as far as we can.”

Full Story: Joaquin Batters Bahamas; Fate of Cargo Ship Uncertain