Zuckerberg's yacht ignored Alaska fishing boat distress call

A small fishing boat in Alaska sent out a distress call that went unanswered by Mark Zuckerberg’s massive 118-meter luxury yacht, *Princess*.

The incident happened near Sitka in the Gulf of Alaska on a recent evening. A local commercial vessel, the *Silver Spoon*, was sailing with a group of passengers when it heard the mayday from a smaller boat in trouble. The captain of the *Silver Spoon* radioed Zuckerberg’s yacht, which was anchored nearby, asking it to assist. When no response came, the *Silver Spoon* turned toward the distressed boat and began rescue operations itself. After the rescue, it was revealed that Zuckerberg’s yacht had ignored the call. One passenger on the *Silver Spoon* told NBC News that when the crew announced they were taking charge because Zuckerberg’s yacht had not responded, “there was near unanimous booing” from the group.

This isn’t the first time superyachts have faced criticism for ignoring distress signals. Under maritime law, all vessels must respond to calls for help when they are in a position to do so safely. But large private yachts often operate with limited crew and may prioritize privacy or security concerns over rescue duties. The case has reignited debate over whether wealthy owners of superyachts should be held to higher standards when lives are at risk. In Alaska, where fishing is a major industry and weather can turn dangerous quickly, small boats frequently rely on nearby vessels for support.

Zuckerberg’s yacht is one of the largest private vessels in the world, equipped with advanced communication systems and a professional crew. Yet it did not respond to the call. The company managing the yacht has not publicly commented on why it didn’t assist. For now, the incident raises questions about accountability on the high seas. If superyachts continue to avoid rescue calls, pressure may grow for stricter regulations or for coastal states like Alaska to enforce stronger oversight. But in the short term, it’s small boats and local mariners who remain the first line of defense when trouble strikes.