Overview of Events Concerning the Cynthia Woods and Crew
GALVESTON, June 9, 2008 —The five fortunate survivors of the two-day Gulf of Mexico ordeal in which their sailboat capsized were released from The University of Texas Medical Branch here today and all of them are calling their deceased safety officer, Roger Stone, a hero for his quick action and leadership in having them evacuate the sinking vessel.
The four students--Joseph Savana, Travis Wright and Steven Guy of Texas A&M University at Galveston and Ross Busby from the main university campus in College Station—were joined by TAMUG faculty member and safety officer Steve Conway in leaving the UT medical facility after being held overnight, primarily for treatment for dehydration and severe sunburn. When rescued by the Coast Guard, they had been in the water about 26 hours.
Funeral services for Mr. Stone are pending.
TAMUG Chief Executive Officer R. Bowen Loftin said during a media session Monday afternoon that student leaders and faculty representatives at the marine-oriented campus in Galveston have begun discussing ways to honor Mr. Stone and to help his family.
“We want to honor his heroic actions,” Loftin said.
“Roger Stone did a selfless act,” the TAMUG CEO emphasized. “He was down below when water started coming in and he literally pushed out two students to make sure they got out.
“He was last seen standing in the entranceway on the lower deck. He could have saved himself, but he did make sure others got out first, and this cost him his life. It's been a very difficult time for all of us.”
The Aggies and their two safety officers were participating in the Regata de Amigos, a sailing race from Galveston to Veracruz, Mexico, that began festively Friday afternoon when their boat, the “Cynthia Woods,” and approximately 25 other vessels set sail on the planned 700-mile race.
When the crew did not make a planned satellite contact with TAMUG officials at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard was contacted and a search for the vessel began.
TAMUG officials were informed by the Coast Guard about 5 p.m. that the hull of a vessel matching the general description of the “Cynthia Woods” had been spotted about 27 miles southeast of Freeport. It was reported that the keel of the vessel appeared to have been torn from the hull. The capsized vessel was confirmed to be that of the “Cynthia Woods” around dusk that evening.
Coast Guard rescuers continued their search for the presumed missing crew throughout the evening.
At about 2 a.m. Sunday TAMUG officials were informed by the Coast Guard that five survivors from the wreck of the “Cynthia Woods” had been found floating nearly five miles from the original wreck site.
Late Sunday afternoon divers arrived at the wreck and were able to explore the hull of the vessel. It was inside the vessel that divers found the body of Mr. Stone.
Loftin noted in a Monday media session that the process will now begin to determine what caused the accident and to attempt to recover the vessel.
“Our first step in finding out the cause of this accident is to recover the vessel. We think we know the location of the vessel, but if it's now below the surface it will be difficult to find it. Once we do find it, we will have to take the mast off and then tow it to Galveston.
“My goal is to understand why this happened. We know what happened, but we don't know why. We will look at every aspect to determine why this happened and to make certain that it can never happen again.”
In an earlier statement, Loftin thanked the Coast Guard for its vital role in the two-day ordeal.
“I must emphatically thank the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who responded so quickly and professionally to the call for help in the search for those aboard the Cynthia Woods. I know that same sentiment has been expressed by President Elsa Murano and others who came here to Galveston from the main campus to lend support.
“Also, we thank all of those who participated in the rescue effort, the Aggie Family, and all those who offered their prayers and support.”
I'd imagine that the off watch was in the port aft quarterberth (visible aft of galley), and the 2 salon settees (fwd of the nav table stbd & galley port, approx where the camera man's feet are in the pic below). So, 1 of the off watch was within inches of the companionway, the other 2 within 4-5 feet. Companionway on a 38R:
