A Race with Warnings
On April 25, 2015, 125 boats and 475 sailors gathered for the Dauphin Island Regatta in Alabama’s Mobile Bay. The National Weather Service had issued warnings of severe storms with damaging winds, but the race went ahead after an initial cancellation notice was retracted due to a miscommunication.
A Storm Like No Other
By 3 p.m., a storm system that had developed in Texas reached Mobile Bay. It produced hurricane-force winds of 73 mph, eight-foot waves, and near-zero visibility. Many boats capsized instantly, including the Kyla, a small catamaran carrying Ron Gaston and 15-year-old Hana Blalack. Ron let go of his boat to keep Hana from drifting away.
Rescues and Tragedy
The Coast Guard launched a mass rescue operation, aided by volunteer boaters. Some sailors clung to wreckage for hours, while others were found drifting. 40 people were rescued, but six sailors lost their lives, including Robert Delaney (72), William Massey (67), Robert Thomas (50), Kristopher Beall (27), Jimmie Brown (71), and Adam Clark (17).
A Race That Changed Sailing
The disaster prompted safety reforms, including requirements for life jackets to be worn at race start and better tracking of participants. Lawsuits were filed, questioning the decision to continue the race. Despite the tragedy, the regatta returned in 2016, with many survivors racing again.
On April 25, 2015, 125 boats and 475 sailors set out for the Dauphin Island Regatta in Mobile Bay, Alabama. A storm warning had been issued, but after a brief cancellation mix-up, the race went ahead. Hours later, hurricane-force winds struck, flipping boats and throwing sailors… pic.twitter.com/wFAgcVWooX
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