Hurricane Joaquin

Coast Guard officials made the announcement at a 3 p.m. news conference.

Robert Green, father of missing crew member LaShawn Rivera, said despite the decision, "I think we're still hopeful. Miracles do happen, and it's God's way only. I'm prayerful, hopeful and still optimistic."

THE CAPTAIN:

Michael Davidson, captain, has been described by colleagues as an experienced leader and calm under pressure. Davidson charted the El Faro's course before Hurricane Joaquin swelled into a Category 4 storm. Davidson radioed that the ship had lost power Thursday before officials say it sank in 15,000 feet of water.

Davidson earned a captain's license before he ever went to college at Maine Maritime Academy.

Rushing to finish last-minute preparations as the storm bore down, residents of the mid-Atlantic British dependency secured patio furniture and stocked up on gas and batteries as the hurricane's outer bands whipped the mid-Atlantic British territory. 

All flights to L.F. Wade International Airport were cancelled and ferry service was closed due to rough seas. Emergency service agencies were placed on alert.