The US Coast Guard is searching for a ship with 33 people on board that has gone missing as Hurricane Joaquin slammed into the Bahamas.

The container ship El Faro was en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico from Jacksonville, Florida when it sent out a distress signal.

The last report from El Faro puts the ship just west of the Bahamas.

According to Florida's First Coast News, the Coast Guard has dispatched two Air Force C-130 Hurricane Hunters to search for the vessel.

El Faro is part of TOTE Maritime’s fleet. Tim Nolan, the President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, said the company was working to establish communication by "whatever means possible".

"At the time of the El Faro’s departure, the vessel’s officers and crew were monitoring what was then Tropical Storm Joaquin," he said.

"As of 7.20am EST on Thursday October 1, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico lost all communication with the El Faro. The US Coast Guard was immediately notified and since then we have been unable to re-establish communication.

"There are a number of possible reasons for the loss of communications among them the increasing severity of Hurricane Joaquin.

"TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico’s primary concern is for the safety and well-being of the 33 individuals on board. We are working to ensure clear and frequent communications with their families and loved ones as we learn more.

"We have reached out to the families of those impacted and have established open lines of communication to provide them with timely updates. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and their families.

"TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is working closely with the US Coast Guard and all available resources to establish communication by whatever means possible."

Hurricane Joaquin reached Category 4 as it hit the Bahamas before spiralling north towards the US East Coast.