Luxury $1million yacht sinks off Florida beach after driver ‘hit something in the water’
- The $1 million 80-footer sank after hitting an unknown object in the water
- The coast guard and local authorities rescued both people on board the ship
- One of the passengers was slightly injured and taken to hospital
Two people were rescued Saturday from an 80-foot yacht that sank three miles off the coast of St. Augustine Beach in Jacksonville, Florida.
The person piloting the $1 million boat told the Coast Guard over the radio that their vessel had “struck an object in the water and was taking on water,” according to a press release.
The radio Mayday was broadcast at 11:37 am. The Coast Guard coordinated with provincial authorities and “nearby Good Samaritans” to assist in the rescue.
A marine unit from St. John’s County Fire and Rescue was the first to reach the sinking boat and brought both people out safely. One of the boat’s passengers suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. Boat international reported.
“We express our sincere gratitude to St. John’s County Fire and Rescue for their invaluable assistance during this case,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, a command officer with the Coast Guard Sector in Jacksonville.
The yacht is seen tilting to the starboard or right side. Lifeboats surround the $1 million ship
Santacana continued, “As the weather improves and sailors take to the water, it is imperative for everyone to verify the presence of all necessary safety equipment on board their vessel.
‘This ensures that, as demonstrated in this case, emergency responders can quickly locate you and provide assistance when an emergency occurs.’
Additional photos from rescue teams show the boat took on water and eventually went vertical before sliding underwater.
The ship that sank is called ‘Atlantis’ and has a top speed of 45 knots, or about 51 miles per hour.
The boat is about to go vertical just before sinking completely off the coast of St. Augustine Beach
The yacht shows obvious signs of damage as it is about to capsize. The cause of the sinking is still under investigation and the owner will have to draw up salvage plans for the wreck
It is unclear which ‘object’ hit the yacht, but there are some at least seven reefs off the coast from St. Augustine Beach, where the ship eventually sank.
The owner of the capsized vessel will ensure its recovery while authorities investigate what caused the crash.
DailyMail.com has reached out to the Coast Guard and St. John’s County Fire and Rescue for comment.