FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are investigating after, they said, a large yacht sank and began spilling fuel behind a home in Fort Lauderdale, Friday morning.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene along Fiesta Way.
Officials said the vessel is a 70-foot antique yacht. According to the salvage company TowBoatU.S., it is a Trumpy yacht named “Mimosa,” and it was built in 1919 or 1920.
Neighbors told firefighters it was floating earlier in the morning.
Nearby resident Jay Báez said, “Hopefully, if they could get this boat out of the water, to take it and dry dock it instead of keeping it in the water. Definitely make sure that all the components are working, if they’re planning on putting it back in the water.”
Officials said the yacht has spilled a large amount of diesel fuel into the water. Crews are working to contain the leak until TowBoatU.S. is able to re-float the vessel so it can be towed away.
“Did smell some fuel in the air, some gasoline. Yeah, that does pose a problem,” Baez said.
Officials have dropped oil absorbing pads in the water in an attempt to collect the fuel. Buoys have also been put out to keep the spill contained.
According to the salvage company, the owner of the yacht is driving down from West Palm Beach.
However, this incident has sparked some negative feelings from those who use the waterway frequently.
“As a boat owner, you should have that responsibility and accountability to make sure that everything’s functioning correctly,” Baez said. “From the time that I’ve moved here, the boat’s been sitting there. It’s never moved, so I’m not sure if it was ever used.”
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