Join our crew and become one of the 109,215 members that receive our newsletter.

HMS Bounty Sinking USCG Photo

Bounty Sinking and Rescue in Photos and Video

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 1513
October 29, 2013

File photo of the Bounty docked at St. Augustine, Florida.

On October 29, 2012, the 3-masted wooden tall ship Bounty, a 1960’s-built replica of the 18th century Royal Navy ship HMS Bounty, foundered and sank in Atlantic Ocean off Hatteras, North Carolina during Hurricane Sandy.

Responding to the scene, United States Coast Guard helicopter crews rescued 14 sailors from two life rafts. Tragically, the sinking killed Captain Robin Walbridge and 42-year old crewmember Claudene Christian.

Here is a look back at the Bounty sinking and rescue in photos and video:

The Tall Ship Bounty as she sank in the Atlantic Ocean during Hurricane Sandy, October 29, 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo
HMS Bounty Sinking USCG Photo
U.S. Coast Guard photo
U.S. Coast Guard photo

Rescue Video:

The first MH-60 Jayhawk crew arrived on scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. and hoisted five people into the aircraft.  A second helicopter arrived and rescued nine people and all were taken to Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., with non life-threatening conditions.

Below, rescued crewmembers from the sunken Bounty arrive Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. on Monday, October 29, 2012.

U.S. Coast Guard photo

SEE ALSO: The Final Days and Decisions on Bounty – Interactive Timeline

U.S. Coast Guard photo
U.S. Coast Guard photo

The Coast Guard’s search area for the Bounty is shown for Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, as cutters and aircraft continued the search for the missing Captain over an area of 12,000 square miles. Ms. Christian’s body was recovered from the water the previous day. The search for Captain Walbridge was called off November 1, 2012.

U.S. Coast Guard photo

For their efforts, the Coast Guard crews who assisted in the Bounty rescue were awarded with the prestigious Shipmate of The Week Award by the US Coast Guard.

SEE ALSO: Coast Guard Crews Recount Heroic Bounty Rescue

In the photo below, Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Bob Papp, Vice Adm. John Currier, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard and Capt. Joseph Kelly, commanding officer of Air Station Elizabeth City, pose for a photo Oct. 31, 2012 with the aircrews and operation specialist who were directly involved in the Oct. 29 2012 of the Bounty rescue.

Image Credit: USCG
U.S. Coast Guard photo

Mario Vittone: Full Bounty Hearings Coverage:

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 109,215 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.