Replica of Hull ship HMAS Bounty lost in Hurricane Sandy
THE replica of one of the world's most famous ships, built in Hull, has fallen victim to Hurricane Sandy.
The storm has devastated parts of the east coast of America and has so far claimed the lives of 35 people and left areas under several feet of water.
The HMS Bounty, which featured in the 1962 Marlon Brando film Mutiny On The Bounty and in Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, sank off the US coast while sailing from Connecticut to Florida.
A total of 14 crew members were rescued but the body of Claudene Christian, 42, was later found and the captain Robin Walbridge remains missing.
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The original Bounty was built in Hull by the Blaydes family.
The replica visited the city in 2007, when the public were invited on board.
The Mail understands Mr Walbridge was captaining the vessel during the visit.
He and other crew members were invited to look round the building where the Blaydes family were based.
Dr Robb Robinson, of the Maritime Historical Studies Centre at The University of Hull, based at Blaydes House, is saddened by the ship's loss.
He said: "The original Bounty was built in Hull by the Blaydes family as a cargo ship and was called the Bethia.
"It only became famous when the Admiralty bought it and renamed it Bounty.
"The replica came to Hull in 2007 and was berthed at Albert Dock.
"The public were allowed to board the ship and it proved very popular.
"I also went on board and she was very impressive.
"The replica was quite an old ship for a wooden vessel but she was in lovely condition.
"It was slightly bigger than the original though.
"It was very sad to hear of its loss but it is a salutary reminder of how many 18th century ships were lost at sea.
"The storm is unique and would test many a vessel."
Another Blaydes-built ship, the Rose, was also recreated and featured in the Russell Crowe film Master and Commander.
The HMS Bounty ran into trouble on Sunday evening and the coastguard was alerted to the fact the ship was taking on water.
The crew, wearing survival suits, abandoned the Bounty in the early hours of Monday and entered two life rafts.
A coastguard helicopter began pulling crew members from the life rafts.
The captain and two other crew members were washed overboard and only one was able to reach a life raft.
Claudene Christian was recovered later and was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
As the Mail went to press, Captain Walbridge was still missing.
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