Hollywood boat crew abandon ship - rescue operation underway

The 17 member crew of the iconic Hollywood replica 'HMS Bounty' have been forced to abandon ship and are awaiting rescue from the U.S Coast Guard.

Sailing 160 miles from Sandy's center, HMS Bounty, a Canadian made replica was reportedly taking on water, and was unable to move forward. According to several reports the alarm was raised when the ship's owner lost contact with the crew and made the call to the U.S. Coast Guard.

HMS Bounty crew members are said to be in two life rafts as the vessel is taking on water. Two H-60 helicopters are en-route to rescue the 17 people onboard.

The replica of HMS Bounty was built in 1960 and has featured in several movies including 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' and 'Mutiny on the Bounty'

The center of the storm, which is now approximately 300 miles from New York City at the time of writing, has caused a near-city wide shutdown of public services. This is the first major rescue in the wake of the storm, and we wish the safe return of all the crew members.