Iconic Pirate โship Replica Sinks Off Coast of Puerto vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Teh Marigalante, aโ famed replicaโ of one of Christopher Columbus’s ships and a โคbeloved touristโข attraction in puertoโ Vallarta, sank into โthe Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. The vessel,โ modeledโ after the Santa Maria, began taking on water and ultimately succumbed to the tide despiteโฃ rescue efforts. โAll crew members โขwere safelyโ rescued.
Theโ ship’s sinking was attributed to a โfailure โin its bilge pump โฃsystem, stemming fromโ a mechanical orโข electrical issue,โข according to Puerto Vallarta civilโค protection and firefighters.โค “Due to โthe strong tide, โit was impossible toโ rescue the boat, which unluckilyโข ended up sinking,” the department stated on Facebook.
Launched in 1992 to commemorate the โค500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas,โ the Marigalante was builtโฃ in 1987. For over three decades, the ship operated asโ a popular tourist โexcursion, offering sailing tours around Banderas Bayโ complete โwith a pirate-themed show, fireworks, dinner, and an open bar.
“Today, theโ Marigalante, a little piece of Vallarta’s soul, passed away. Weโ grew upโ watching it sail the sea, bringing joyโ and pride to our port,” local official Canales wrote on Instagram. “Its image will forever remain in our memoriesโค and in theโฃ hearts of those who โlove this bay.”
Pirate Shipโข Vallarte, โthe company operating the Marigalante, expressed its pride in โthe vessel, stating, “Since its arrival in Puerto Vallarta, it became a living symbol of identity, history, and pride, gracing the โขbay with its majestic presence โand offering unforgettable experiences to millions โof visitors.” โ
The company has pledged support for its โขstaffโ and announced full refundsโฃ for customers โฃwith bookings on future tours. A โsister ship will replace the Marigalante โคin the coming months, according to Pirate Ship โขVallarte.