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Zuckerberg’s superyacht ignored emergency channel, failed to aid stranded boat
Ars Technica • • business
Key Points:
- Mark Zuckerberg’s $300 million superyacht, Launchpad, did not assist stranded boaters off Alaska’s coast despite a US Coast Guard broadcast requesting help, sparking public criticism and social media discussion.
- The stranded boat was not legally in distress, so nearby vessels, including Launchpad and its support ship Wingman, were not obligated to respond; however, the Wilderness Legacy cruise ship did assist by towing and refueling the stranded skiff.
- Ship-tracking data shows Launchpad slowed and allowed Wilderness Legacy to pass but did not stop to help, while Wingman passed both ships without stopping, raising questions about their response.
- Zuckerberg’s spokesperson explained the crew missed the Coast Guard’s call due to it being on a different radio channel and the assistance already being underway, but experts and a US Senator criticized this, noting vessels are required to monitor emergency channel 16 at all times.
- Launchpad has previously been criticized for turning off its AIS transponder to avoid tracking, a practice frowned upon for safety reasons and typically required to be active in US waters by the Coast Guard.
