Second body found in Alabama waters, 5 missing

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. — Coast Guard crews searched for five people missing Sunday after recovering two bodies following a powerful weekend storm that capsized several sailboats competing in a regatta near Mobile Bay.

One body was discovered after Saturday’s storm and another Sunday morning, said Major Steve Thompson, director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Marine Patrol Division.

Authorities said crews used boats and planes to search the Alabama waters, including areas near Dauphin Island where anxious family members have gathered at a Coast Guard station awaiting updates. Red Cross volunteers and an ambulance also were at the site.

Names of the missing and deceased were not immediately released Sunday. One person was rescued Saturday evening.

More than 100 sailboats and as many as 200 people were participating in the 57th running of the Dauphin Island regatta in Mobile Bay when the storm hit Saturday.

Gary Garner, commodore of the Fairhope Yacht Club which organized the race, said members are “heartbroken.”

“We are helping and cooperating fully with the U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities in accounting for all of the sailors,” he said in an emailed statement.

Officials on Sunday said not all of the missing were taking part in the regatta.

Speaking at a news conference in Dauphin Island, Thompson called Saturday’s events “an awful tragedy.”

“Our hearts go out to the families, and we are using all available resources,” he added.

Coast Guard Capt. Duke Walker said officials are focused on finding the missing. Walker said conditions were “optimal” for Sunday’s ongoing search, with light winds and sunny skies on smooth water.

Spokesman Seth Johnson said earlier Sunday that the Coast Guard will investigate the weather conditions and the decision to go ahead with the regatta.

The conditions were calm early Saturday before the storm, according to tourists Joe B. Stuard and Andrea Stuard of Wilmer, who were watching Sunday as search boats moved offshore.

They were riding their bikes on Dauphin Island as the storm blew through around 4 p.m. Saturday. “We wouldn’t have been out on our bikes if we knew it was going to come in like that. It was fast and quick. We made a dash for shelter,” Joe B. Stuard said.

National Weather Service Mobile meteorologist John Purdy said Sunday that the storm moved eastward through Louisiana and Mississippi quickly, prompting a severe thunderstorm watch at 1:36 p.m. Saturday and a warning less than an hour later.

The NWS then issued a special marine warning around 3 p.m. for boaters on several waterways including Mobile Bay, warning of a line of thunderstorms producing gusty winds, high waves, dangerous lightning and heavy rains. The notice urged boaters to “seek safe harbor immediately.”

“When storms are moving quickly as in this case, things will change very rapidly especially if you are on a boat in the open waters,” Purdy said.

———

Associated Press Kathleen Foody in Atlanta contributed to this report.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Alan Edward Dean, convicted of the 1993 murder of Melissa Lee, professes his innocence in the courtroom during his sentencing Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bothell man gets 26 years in cold case murder of Melissa Lee, 15

“I’m innocent, not guilty. … They planted that DNA. I’ve been framed,” said Alan Edward Dean, as he was sentenced for the 1993 murder.

Bothell
Man gets 75 years for terrorizing exes in Bothell, Mukilteo

In 2021, Joseph Sims broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home in Bothell and assaulted her. He went on a crime spree from there.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tesla driver on Autopilot caused fatal Highway 522 crash, police say

The driver was reportedly on his phone with his Tesla on Autopilot on Friday when he crashed into Jeffrey Nissen, killing him.

Boeing firefighters union members and supporters hold an informational picket at Airport Road and Kasch Park Road on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
After bargaining deadline, Boeing locks out firefighters union in Everett

The union is picketing for better pay and staffing. About 40 firefighters work at Boeing’s aircraft assembly plant at Paine Field.

Andy Gibbs, co-owner of Andy’s Fish House, outside of his restaurant on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
City: Campaign can’t save big tent at Andy’s Fish House in Snohomish

A petition raised over 6,000 signatures to keep the outdoor dining cover — a lifeline during COVID. But the city said its hands are tied.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
After Stanwood man’s death, feds open probe into Tesla Autopilot feature

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating Tesla’s recall on its vehicles with the Autopilot function.

Pacific Stone Company owner Tim Gray talks with relocation agent Dan Frink under the iconic Pacific Stone sign on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Everett, Washington. The business will be relocating to Nassau Street near the intersection of Marine View Drive and California Street. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Will readerboard romance on Rucker survive long-distance relationship?

Pacific Stone is moving a mile from Totem Diner, its squeeze with another landmark sign. Senior housing will be built on the site.

The site of a new Uniqlo store coming to Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington on May, 3, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Clothing retailer Uniqlo to open Lynnwood store

Uniqlo, a Tokyo-based chain, offers clothing for men, women and children. The company plans to open 20 new stores this year in North America.

A dog looks up at its trainer for the next command during a training exercise at a weekly meeting of the Summit Assistance Dogs program at the Monroe Correctional Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
At Monroe prison, dog training reshapes lives of humans, canines alike

Since 2010, prisoners have helped train service animals for the outside world. “I don’t think about much else,” one student said.

James McNeal. Courtesy photo
Charges: Ex-Bothell council member had breakup ‘tantrum’ before killing

James McNeal was giving Liliya Guyvoronsky, 20, about $10,000 per month, charging papers say. King County prosecutors charged him with murder Friday.

Edmonds City Council members answer questions during an Edmonds City Council Town Hall on Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds wants to hear your thoughts on future of fire services

Residents can comment virtually or in person during an Edmonds City Council public hearing set for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.