The owner of the luxury Lamborghini yacht, estimated to be worth around $4 million, may face civil or criminal penalties after the partial sinking of the vessel on Sunday, May 4th, near Miami Beach, according to state authorities. The incident took place close to Star Island, where the lavish yacht, a 65-foot Tecnomar Lamborghini 63, began to sink with 32 individuals on board—twice its allowable capacity.
This situation has caught the attention of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which has launched an investigation to determine the causes of the mishap. According to the technical specifications provided by Lamborghini Miami, the yacht is designed to safely accommodate up to 16 people. However, it was confirmed that during the incident, over 30 influencers were present, many of whom were sharing photos and videos on social media prior to the sinking, turning the event into a global trending topic.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Nicholas Strasburg mentioned that although the yacht was equipped with the necessary life jackets, the excess number of passengers likely played a significant role in the accident. "Safety regulations are certainly in place regarding the number of people that can be safely carried on a vessel," Strasburg stated, as reported by CBS News.
While the FWC is leading the investigation, the Coast Guard is also involved in the inquiries. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the yacht owner could face fines, civil penalties, or even criminal charges if major operational failures are confirmed. CBS Miami sought a comment from the owner but was unable to reach them. Two workers from the shipyard where the yacht is maintained mentioned that they might provide further details in the coming days.
After the partial sinking, the yacht was towed away from the channel, having been surrounded by floatation devices to prevent interference with other navigation routes. Civilian captain Yasmany Linares, who was nearby, assisted in rescuing 23 people with his own boat. "If that boat flips, all those people can get trapped underneath, and that's a different story," he warned.
As the preliminary report from the FWC is awaited, the case has reignited discussions about safety on luxury yachts rented for large events, especially when combined with social media promotion without stringent oversight.
Key Questions Regarding the Miami Yacht Incident
What is the maximum capacity of the Tecnomar Lamborghini 63 yacht?
The Tecnomar Lamborghini 63 yacht is designed to safely transport up to 16 people.
Why might the yacht owner face penalties?
The yacht owner could face penalties due to potential safety violations, such as exceeding the vessel's capacity, which may have contributed to the sinking incident.
Who is investigating the yacht sinking incident?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard.