Luxury Yacht Capsizes Near Miami Beach: 32 Rescued
A dramatic incident unfolded on Saturday, May 3, when a luxury yacht off the coast of Miami Beach capsized, prompting an immediate emergency response. The 63-foot vessel, which was reportedly carrying a group of social media influencers, began taking on water at approximately 5 p.m. near Monument Island.
Quick Emergency Response
The U.S. Coast Guard’s southeastern division received several distress calls regarding the vessel in trouble. They quickly mobilized along with local authorities, including the Miami Beach Police Marine Patrol. Within a short period, all 32 passengers aboard the yacht were safely evacuated, assisted by a nearby private boat.
Passengers’ Accounts and Social Media Reactions
Eyewitness reports detail chaotic scenes aboard the yacht as water began to flood in. Videos circulated on social media captured moments of tension, with one passenger humorously remarking, “Women and children first!” during the unfolding situation.
“We were just on the boat and we saw a bunch of cops, police boats, and there was another yacht that was flipped over completely vertically in the water,” said Rachael Miller, an eyewitness. “It definitely didn’t look ordinary, and it’s just very concerning.”
Initial Investigations
Reports suggest that the yacht, referred to as a “Lamborghini yacht,” may have exceeded its designated weight capacity. The limited space was designed to accommodate just seven individuals comfortably. However, the unexpected influx of influencers appears to have culminated in this maritime disaster.
“Something in the distance, it appeared at an angle, and the closer we get, you could tell it was a big boat,” noted bystander Bruce Maresh, who witnessed the aftermath.
Post-Incident Review and Recovery Efforts
The passengers were transported to the Miami Beach Marina without reported injuries. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the cause and the yacht’s owner’s identity. Meanwhile, commercial crews are working tirelessly to recover the capsized vessel, although authorities confirmed it does not pose a risk to other marine traffic.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols, particularly in recreational boating situations.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, the safety measures for luxury yacht charters may undergo scrutiny to prevent future occurrences. The maritime community remains vigilant as they await more details about the factors that led to this unexpected incident.