The SS El Faro was a United States-flagged cargo ship that met a tragic fate while en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico. On October 1, 2015, the vessel found itself in the dangerous path of Hurricane Joaquin, a powerful and rapidly intensifying storm. The crew of 33 had been informed of the storm's severity, but faced with a schedule to maintain cargo delivery, the decision was made to continue their voyage. As the hurricane approached, the ship encountered severe weather conditions, resulting in a loss of propulsion and steering. Distress communications from the crew indicated they were taking on water, and conditions were deteriorating rapidly.The United States Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation following the loss of communication, deploying aircraft and vessels to search an extensive area of the Atlantic Ocean. The search lasted for several days but was ultimately called off, with the ship and crew presumed lost. Debris from the El Faro was later discovered, along with personal effects of crew members. Investigations revealed shortcomings in weather tracking and communication protocols, highlighting the risks faced by mariners in severe weather conditions and emphasizing the need for improved safety measures for cargo vessels.