In a shocking incident, footage has emerged of a historic sailing ship that sank off a Mexican resort shore, prompting residents to reflect on the loss of something integral to their community.
The Marigalante, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ legendary galleon Santa Maria, found itself in distress on Friday afternoon while trying to return to Puerto Vallarta for repairs, as reported by its operators, Pirate Ship Vallarta.
While navigating the Pacific Ocean, the wooden vessel ran aground near the Buenaventura Hotel, located in the state of Jalisco.
As the situation deteriorated, the ship started taking on water, leading first responders to work quickly to evacuate the crew.
Fortunately, all crew members were safely evacuated before the ship fully submerged, according to both the company and local fire authorities.
Footage from Jalisco indicates that water rushed onto the upper deck, causing the Marigalante to tilt to one side before it sank.
As it disappeared beneath the waves, three towering masts vanished from sight, while rescue boats and other vessels moved away, leaving barrels and debris floating to the surface.
“Today, the Marigalante, a small part of Vallarta’s soul, passed away. We grew up watching it bring joy and pride to our port,” remarked Representative Yusara Canales on Instagram. “It will remain forever in our memories and in the hearts of those who love this bay.”
The suspected cause of the sinking was a malfunction in the bilge system, possibly linked to a mechanical or electrical issue with the pump.
“We faced strong tides which made it impossible to rescue the boat, and ultimately it sank,” noted Puerto Vallarta’s Civil Protection and firefighting service.
The ship, constructed in 1987 and launched in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of America’s discovery, has been a cherished landmark.
Since its arrival in Puerto Vallarta, the Marigalante has served as a vibrant symbol of local identity and pride, delighting millions of visitors over more than three decades.
Pirate Ship Vallarta expressed its commitment to support its staff during this difficult time and assured customers that refunds would be issued for canceled tours. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce a sister ship to take the Marigalante’s place in the coming months.
