Join our crew and become one of the 104,480 members that receive our newsletter.

ss el faro

El Faro Found – Wreckage Confirmed to Be Missing American Cargo Ship

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 49
November 2, 2015

SS El Faro. Photo: Tote Maritime

 

The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed that the wreckage found Saturday off the coast of the Bahamas at a depth of about 15,000 feet is that of the missing American cargo ship El Faro. 

The NTSB said over the weekend that a salvage team onboard the U.S. Navy tug USNS Apache found wreckage consistent with the missing cargo ship on the seafloor near the last known position of vessel – approximately 36 miles northeast of Crooked Island in the Bahamas. The wreckage was found using side-scan sonar. 

The images showed that the ship appeared to be upright and in one piece. 

The salvage team was expected to send an ROV to confirm and survey that the wreckage as early as Sunday.

 

Now that the wreckage is confirmed, the salvage team will look to recover the vessel’s voyage data recorder and begin documenting the wreckage. 

A survey of the area and vessel continues, the NTSB said Monday.

The documentation operations are expected to take up to 15 days to complete in ideal conditions but could take longer depending on weather and conditions during the documentation process, the NTSB said Saturday.

The El Faro sank October 1 during Hurricane Joaquin with the loss of all 33 crew members. 

The USNS Apache has been on scene searching for El Faro since October 23.

Story developing…

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,480 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,480 members that receive our newsletter.