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Jaw-dropping footage captured the moment an iconic sailing ship sank off the coast of a Mexican resort town — leaving locals mourning the loss of a piece of their “soul.”
The Marigalante, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ famed galleon, the Santa Maria, took on water as it attempted to return to port for repairs in Puerto Vallarta Friday afternoon, according to Pirate Ship Vallarta, the company that operated the iconic tourist attraction.
The wooden vessel was traversing through the Pacific waters to return for technical repairs when it became inoperable near the Buenaventura Hotel in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
The system failure worsened and the ship began to sink while first responders rushed to evacuate crew members from the doomed vessel.
Everyone onboard was evacuated from the ship before it submerged into the waters, the company and area firefighters said.
The Marigalante tilted to its starboard side as water washed onto the top deck and the vessel plummeted into the water, according to video from Jalisco representative Yussara Canales.
Rescue boats and other vessels moved away from the shipwreck as the three towering masts disappeared, while barrels and other debris floated back to the surface.
“Today, the Marigalante, a little piece of Vallarta’s soul, passed away. We grew up watching it sail the sea, bringing joy and pride to our port.” Canales wrote on Instagram. “Its image will forever remain in our memories and in the hearts of those who love this bay.”
The cause of the sinking was blamed on a bilge system issue resulting from a mechanical or electrical failure in the pumps.
“Due to the strong tide, it was impossible to rescue the boat, which unfortunately ended up sinking,” the Puerto Vallarta civil protection and firefighters said.
Built in 1987, the ship was launched five years later in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas, according to the company.
“Since its arrival in Puerto Vallarta, it became a living symbol of identity, history, and pride, gracing the bay with its majestic presence and offering unforgettable experiences to millions of visitors,” the company said in a statement
“Together with the people of Vallarta, the company takes great pride in this ship, which for more than thirty years stood as an emblem of joy, tradition, and beauty in our bay,” the statement said.
Pirate Ship Vallarte reaffirmed it would help its staff “throughout the process.”
The company reassured customers that they would be refunded for the ship’s future tour dates.
It was also announced that the Marigalante’s sister ship will replace the lost vessel in the coming months.
