24m stolen superyacht crashes and sinks in Miami Beach Marina

Reports have emerged that a Hatteras 80 superyacht was hijacked at Miami Beach Marina on Sunday night, before the would-be thief repeatedly crashed and sank the luxury yacht.

The 24m superyacht, believed to be M/Y Mimi, reportedly pulled into the marina between 10:30 and 11:30pm on Sunday 2nd October, before she was hijacked as the captain stepped off the yacht.

The report from Ocean of News suggests that a man jumped on board and tried to pull away from the dock before crashing into the concrete marina wall, as well as several boats and quays in his path. The man’s reckless driving ruptured the yacht’s hull, causing it to partially sink. It is believed that the man lost power in one of the yacht’s engines, which is why he had trouble steering the vessel.

Shortly after, he jumped overboard and swam away as a Miami Fire Rescue boat pulled up. A police dive team and the coast guard were deployed but were unable to locate him. 

Individuals who live on the neighbouring boats in the marina witnessed and reported events as they unravelled, but no body was hurt. At the time of the incident, the yacht was listed for sale at $3.2 million dollars. 

As light broke, CBS Miami reported evidence of a second theft attempt of another nearby yacht at the marina, which too was partially sunk. Police have not said if the two attempts are related.

Watch Layron Livingston's video report of the incident here, as he talks to witness Chris Miller.