Zuckerberg’s yacht ignored distress calls off Puerto Rico

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s luxury superyacht, *Ulysses*, and its accompanying support vessel took more than an hour to respond to a distress call from a stranded 48-foot sailboat off the coast of Puerto Rico last week. The U.S. Coast Guard says the private ships ignored urgent hails on Channel 16—the internationally recognized emergency frequency—despite the sailboat’s crew reporting engine failure and taking on water. The delayed response forced the Coast Guard to launch a rescue operation that ultimately saved the four people on board, but the incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of private vessels in emergencies.

This isn’t the first time wealthy yacht owners have faced scrutiny for slow reactions to distress signals. Large private ships often travel with medical staff, satellite communications, and trained crews, making them well-equipped to assist in emergencies. Yet maritime law is clear: any vessel that hears a distress call must respond or face serious consequences. The Coast Guard’s investigation will likely examine why *Ulysses* and its support ship failed to acknowledge the call promptly. Climate change has increased the frequency of severe weather in the Caribbean, where Zuckerberg’s yacht was cruising, raising the stakes for quick rescues in remote waters.

The stranded sailboat, the *Sailboat X*, sent out its first distress call at 3:47 p.m. local time on July 12. The Coast Guard reached the scene in 31 minutes, but by then, the boat’s bilge pump had failed and water was flooding the cabin. The four sailors were airlifted to safety. A spokesperson for Zuckerberg’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Coast Guard records show that private vessels in the area were notified within minutes of the initial call, yet no response came until long after the rescue was complete.

The case could set a precedent for future maritime emergencies involving billionaires’ yachts. If the investigation finds negligence, Zuckerberg’s ships—or their operators—could face fines or legal action. More broadly, it highlights a growing tension between private luxury travel and public safety, especially as climate change pushes more people into dangerous waters. The Coast Guard has urged all vessels, regardless of size, to treat distress calls with urgency—and this incident may force private owners to take that warning seriously.