Cargo Sailing Ship Sinks Off Bahamas, Two Crew Missing

A prominent vessel of the Blue Schooner Company, an early advocate for sail-powered cargo shipping, has capsized and sunk south of the Bahamas.

The United States Coast Guard reported that the schooner, De Gallant, capsized at 3:30 am on Tuesday and sank 30 minutes later. The incident was triggered by a sudden and unexpectedly violent windstorm, necessitating an immediate evacuation.

Rescue operations are being coordinated by the Miami sector of the Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS) in collaboration with CROSS Gris-Nez. During the rescue mission, a helicopter successfully hoisted six of the eight crew members to safety.

Blue Schooner Company has stated that an extensive search effort is ongoing to locate the remaining two crew members. This search involves two helicopters, a plane, a USCG vessel, and a Bahamas patrol vessel.

The Coast Guard has indicated that the prospects of finding the two missing individuals are promising, thanks to good visibility, moderate wind and sea conditions, and relatively warm water temperatures. However, as of the latest update at 4 pm on Wednesday, the two sailors remain unaccounted for.

The De Gallant departed from Santa Marta, Colombia, on May 11, carrying a cargo of coffee, cocoa, and cane sugar, destined for various European ports.