Luxury $1million yacht sinks off Florida beach after driver 'hit something in the water'
- The $1 million 80-footer sunk after hitting an unknown object out in the water
- The Coast Guard and local authorities rescued both people on board the vessel
- One of the passengers sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital
Two people were rescued on Saturday from an 80-foot yacht that sank three miles off the coast of St. Augustine Beach in Jacksonville, Florida.
The person driving the $1 million boat told the Coast Guard over the radio that their vessel 'struck an object in the water and was taking on water,' according to a press release.
The radio mayday was made at 11:37 a.m. The Coast Guard coordinated with county authorities and 'nearby good Samaritans' to assist in the rescue.
A marine unit from St. John's County Fire and Rescue reached the sinking boat first and got both people out safely. One of the boat's passengers sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital, Boat International reported.
'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to St. John's County Fire and Rescue for their invaluable assistance during this case,' said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, a Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command duty officer.
The yacht is seen tipping over to its starboard side, or the right side. Rescue boats surround the $1 million vessel
Santacana continued: '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.
'This ensures that responders, as demonstrated in this case, can swiftly locate you and render assistance when an emergency arises.'
Additional photos from rescue teams show that the boat took on water and eventually went vertical before slipping beneath the water.
The ship that sank, called 'Atlantis,' and has a top speed of 45 knots, or about 51 miles per hour.
The boat is about to go vertical moments before it completely sinks off the coast of St. Augustine Beach
The yacht has clear signs of damage as it's about to capsize. The cause of the sinking is still being investigated and the owner will have to arrange salvaging plans for the wreckage
It's unclear what 'object' the yacht hit, but there are at least seven reefs off the coast of St. Augustine Beach, where the vessel ultimately sunk.
The owner of the capsized vessel will arrange to have it salvaged as authorities investigate what caused the crash.
DailyMail.com has approached the Coast Guard and St. John's County Fire and Rescue for comment.
