Croton Native Among Missing as Search for Ship Suspended

Richard Pusatere, who grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, is among the officers of the cargo ship that disappeared during Hurricane Joaquin.

The Coast Guard has suspended its search for the ship, which went missing while the storm was pummeling the Bahamas, The Journal News reported.

According to Kempter’s Fire Wire, the family had offered a statement to WAVY with great hopes that the Virginia Beach, VA resident returns home alive, “He is a proud husband, father, son and friend. The family has a strong support group and is thankful for the continued prayers of comfort and hope. If you know Rich, you know there is hope. We are not giving up.”

An investigation into the probable sinking was launched this week by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Communication with the 790-foot ship was lost after El Faro’s Master reported via satellite notification received at 7:20 a.m. Oct. 1 that the vessel had lost propulsion and was taking on water with a 15 degree list, gCaptain.com reported.