El Faro

Coast Guard ending search for sunken cargo ship's crew

Coast Guard officials made the announcement at a 3 p.m. news conference.

Robert Green, father of missing crew member LaShawn Rivera, said despite the decision, "I think we're still hopeful. Miracles do happen, and it's God's way only. I'm prayerful, hopeful and still optimistic."

Captain, crew of doomed ship loved the sea, despite dangers

THE CAPTAIN:

Michael Davidson, captain, has been described by colleagues as an experienced leader and calm under pressure. Davidson charted the El Faro's course before Hurricane Joaquin swelled into a Category 4 storm. Davidson radioed that the ship had lost power Thursday before officials say it sank in 15,000 feet of water.

Davidson earned a captain's license before he ever went to college at Maine Maritime Academy.