Over the weekend, two boaters were rescued from an 80-foot yacht that was sinking after colliding with a submerged dredge pipe off the Florida coast, according to authorities.
The distress call came from the operator of the motor yacht Atlantis around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, reporting that the vessel had struck an object and was taking on water approximately three miles off St. Augustine Beach, as stated by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
St. Johns County Fire Rescue's marine units successfully rescued the two individuals on board the sinking yacht. One of them sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, the USCG confirmed.
Images depict the stern of the yacht submerging below the waterline, causing the bow to point skyward.
The vessel is believed to have struck a dredge pipe piling that was partially submerged, according to St. Johns County Fire Rescue.
The Coast Guard thanked St. Johns County Fire Rescue, local police and nearby good Samaritans for helping to coordinate the rescue of the stranded mariners from the sinking yacht.
Officials also noted that the luxury yacht activated its properly registered emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) to allow rescuers to pinpoint the vessel's location.
"With the weather improving and mariners heading out onto the water, it's imperative for everyone to verify the presence of all necessary safety equipment aboard their vessel," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, the command duty officer of Sector Jacksonville. "This ensures that responders, as demonstrated in this case, can swiftly locate you and render assistance when an emergency arises."
