NTSB Report on The 'Bounty' Sinking
Accident Summary
On October 29, 2012, the tall ship Bounty sank off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, while attempting to transit through the forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy. Three of the 16 people on board were seriously injured, one crewmember died, and the captain was never found. The vessel's estimated value was $4 million.
Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the sinking of tall ship Bounty was the captain's reckless decision to sail the vessel into the well forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy, which subjected the aging vessel and the inexperienced crew to conditions from which the vessel could not recover. Contributing to the sinking was the lack of effective safety oversight by the vessel organization.
NTSB Full Report: PDF
I point out in every basic seamanship class that it's just a matter of time until you get caught in some nasty weather, and it's a good thing to learn how to deal with it—and how to avoid it. But, only a fool ventures out of a safe harbor into the face of a known storm. The most upsetting thing about this incident was the unnecessary placing into jeopardy of the people who were called upon to try and rescue these fools.
/fl