All the American models had the storm well to the west of the ship's position. Only the European model actually nailed it correctly. My guess is the captain thought the storm would be well to the west of his position.
Read an account that suggested an EPIRB beacon (assume satellite received) was received once Thursday morning.
http://www.wafb.com/story/30176760/search-covers-broad-area-for-ship-lost-in-hurricane-joaquin
Ship damaged? with 15 degree list, propulsion down, some flooding-— last transmission 7:20 EDT.
http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/torrential-rain-comes-to-the-east-coast/35613550