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Two dead, five missing after storm hits boat race

Dauphin Island Regatta

Two bodies have been recovered and five other sailors are missing after a powerful storm capsized several sailboats participating in a regatta near Mobile Bay.

Authorities say most, but not all those missing were participating in the Dauphin Island Regatta, which included over 100 sailboats and nearly 200 participants. Crews are still searching for the five missing sailors.

A strong storm hit Alabama's Gulf Coast at 4 PM Saturday, while the Dauphin Island Regatta was underway. Sailors encountered 10 foot waves and winds up to 60 miles per hour. The Alabama Department of Public Safety's Marine Patrol Division says one person was found dead Saturday and a second was found Sunday morning.

The U.S. Coast Guard is using boats and airplanes to search a wide swath of Mobile Bay, including areas close to Dauphin Island where family members of race participants have gathered.

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