Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's superyacht, Launchpad, did not hear a radio call for assistance from a small skiff that ran out of fuel off the coast of Alaska, according to a spokesperson for Zuckerberg. The spokesperson said the crew only became aware of the Coast Guard contact after another vessel had already provided help.
Incident Details
The Alaska Beacon reported that the skiff issued a call for help through the US Coast Guard last week. A nearby small cruise ship, the Wilderness Legacy, responded, towing the skiff into Farragut Bay in south-east Alaska and refueling it. Despite being closer, Zuckerberg's yacht had not responded to the call.
Meta's Response
In an email to the Alaska Beacon on Sunday, the spokesperson stated: "Mark and his family were not on board at the time of the incident. As the Coast Guard noted, the boat was not in distress, and by the time the crew reviewed the Coast Guard contact on a different radio channel from the one they were operating on, the assist was already underway. We’re grateful all parties are safe."
Social Media Claims
A passenger on the cruise ship had earlier described on social media how the vessel went to the skiff's assistance, while claiming that authorities had radioed Zuckerberg's yacht and they "repeatedly refused to respond." The spokesperson's statement contradicts this, emphasizing the crew did not hear the initial call.
Context and Impact
The incident raises questions about maritime communication protocols and the responsibilities of nearby vessels. The US Coast Guard noted the boat was not in distress, and all parties are safe. Zuckerberg's yacht, Launchpad, is known for its luxury amenities and has been spotted in various locations.
