Coast Guard continues search for 5 people missing in Alabama waters after sailboats capsize

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. – Coast Guard crews are searching for five people missing in the water after a powerful storm capsized several sailboats participating in a regatta near Mobile Bay, Alabama.

Coast Guard spokesman Seth Johnson says searchers have covered 1,150 square miles on Sunday using boats and three airplanes to find survivors.

Johnson says the Coast Guard will conduct an investigation into the weather conditions and the decision to go ahead with Saturday’s race.

Family members anxious for updates have gathered near a Coast Guard station.

More than 100 sailboats and as many as 200 people were participating in the Dauphin Island regatta. The storm rolled through the area about 4 p.m. Saturday.

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