Hurricane Joaquin: 33 On Board Missing Ship

The US Coast Guard is searching for a ship with 33 people on board that has gone missing as Hurricane Joaquin slammed into the Bahamas.

The container ship El Faro was en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico from Jacksonville, Florida when it sent out a distress signal.

The last report from El Faro puts the ship just west of the Bahamas.

According to Florida's First Coast News, the Coast Guard has dispatched two Air Force C-130 Hurricane Hunters to search for the vessel.

El Faro is part of TOTE Maritime's fleet. Tim Nolan, the President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, said the company was working to establish communication by "whatever means possible".

"At the time of the El Faro's departure, the vessel's officers and crew were monitoring what was then Tropical Storm Joaquin," he said.

"As of 7.20am EST on Thursday October 1, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico lost all communication with the El Faro. The US Coast Guard was immediately notified and since then we have been unable to re-establish communication.

"There are a number of possible reasons for the loss of communications, among them the increasing severity of Hurricane Joaquin.

"TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico’s primary concern is for the safety and well-being of the 33 individuals on board. We are working to ensure clear and frequent communications with their families and loved ones as we learn more.

"TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is working closely with the US Coast Guard and all available resources to establish communication by whatever means possible."

Hurricane Joaquin reached Category 4 as it hit the Bahamas on Friday, destroying houses, uprooting trees and unleashing heavy flooding.

Sky News Weather Producer Joanna Robinson said Bermuda was its next target - though it would be "a weaker hurricane" by the time it hit.

Eastern parts of the US are seemingly no longer in Joaquin's path - but severe flooding could still take place.

Robinson said: "The eastern seaboard of the USA is now less likely to get a direct hit, but that doesn't mean that flooding isn't a major concern for some areas there.

"A separate slow moving frontal system will continue to affect eastern parts of the USA this weekend and combined with tropical moisture extending from Hurricane Joaquin, significant rainfall is possible.

"The Carolinas look most at risk, with 150 to 300mm (6-12 inches) of rain possible over the next 72 hours, with some computer models suggesting higher amounts."