After 30 years of tourist trips, a famed pirate ship based on Christopher Columbus’s vessel has sunk off the coast of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.
The iconic Marigalante, which is constructed entirely of wood, rapidly drowned on Friday after a system failure.
According to Civil Protection and Firefighters of Puerto Vallarta the incident was caused by a mechanical or electrical failure in the bilge pumps.
Authorities said: ‘Due to the strong waves, it was impossible to rescue the vessel, which unfortunately ended up sinking.’
The ship’s crew and passengers were safely evacuated before it sank.
The Marigalante is a staggering replica of the Santa María galleon, one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus when he sailed across the Atlantic in 1492.
To commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Columbus’s Discovery of America in 1987, it was built and is now used to give tourists a glimpse of life at sea.
Tourists can expect a pirate show, featuring sword fights, fireworks and acrobats.
The iconic Marigalante, which is constructed entirely of wood, rapidly drowned on Friday after a system failure
According to Civil Protection and Firefighters of Puerto Vallarta the incident was caused by a mechanical or electrical failure in the bilge pumps
The ship’s crew and passengers were safely evacuated before it sank
‘The incident occurred as the crew was attempting to return to port to carry out technical repairs,’ the company that owned the ship said.
‘The system malfunction worsened, and the ship began to slowly submerge into the waters that had been its home for more than three decades.
‘Thanks to the immediate and responsible actions of the crew, all passengers were safely evacuated without risk.
‘Today, the Marigalante rests in the waters that were always her home, and she will forever remain alive in the memory and hearts of all who watched her sail.’
In what has been dubbed an exciting new venture, its sister ship will ‘continue its legacy of history’.
The new vessel is expected to be operational in Banderas Bay within three months.
The Secretary of Tourism for the State of Jlisco, expressed deep sorrow over the incident but excitement over the future.
She said: ‘We hopefully hear the announcement of the upcoming arrival of the Marigalante’s sister ship to the bay waters, to continue its legacy of history, excitement, and Vallarta pride.
‘Rest assured that, from @secturjalmx, we will contribute so that this arrival marks the beginning of a story full of new adventures for our beloved Puerto Vallarta.’
