More objects found in search for El Faro cargo ship

Search crews battle dangerous conditions from Hurricane Joaquin

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ The U.S. Coast Guard posted a video on social media Sunday afternoon showing crews pulling a life ring belonging to a missing cargo ship that was caught in the path of Hurricane Joaquin.

The Coast Guard also shared a photo of an MH-60 helicopter refueling at sea after search crews found more objects from El Faro, including life jackets, containers and an oil sheen -- all near the ship's last known location.

One of the Coast Guard's planes reported finding a 200-square-foot mile debris field Sunday evening, but it wasn't known if it was from El Faro.

The families of the 33 crew members on board the ship can only wait for news. The Coast Guard lost contact with the ship Thursday as it sailed near Crooked Island, Bahamas.

It is believed the ship went right into the path of Hurricane Joaquin. The Coast Guad received a distress call that El Faro was taking on water and listing 15 degrees.

The Coast Guard, along with the U.S. Navy and Air Force, fought 100 knot winds and flew within 50 feet of the eye of the storm.

Sunday's conditions were the best so far with low winds and good visibility. The ship is operated by TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico. The company's president met with workers' families Friday. Those families said they are keeping the faith and asking others to do the same.

"I'm very hopeful," a family member told a television station in Jacksonville. "Until they find a reason for me not to be, I'm going to remain hopeful."

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