Mark Zuckerberg's $300 million superyacht did not respond to Alaskan distress call

Mark Zuckerberg's 118-metre superyacht, reportedly valued at $300 million, came under public criticism after it did not respond to a distress call from a smaller vessel stranded in Alaskan waters.

The incident involved a six-metre pleasure craft that ran out of fuel while traveling on the route between Petersburg and Juneau. Passengers aboard the disabled boat issued a request for help; nearby vessels were notified as part of a general radio broadcast.

The Coast Guard says the small boat issued its distress call on Monday at around 21:30 and that the lives of those aboard were not considered to be in immediate danger. A general radio call for assistance was sent to all nearby vessels.

Satellite tracking data later showed that the superyacht Launchpad was significantly closer to the disabled boat than several other nearby craft. Video footage reportedly shows another vessel passing by the anchored mega-yacht en route to the stranded boat and taking part in the rescue.

Eyewitness reaction was swift. "There were almost unanimous boos and a boycott from everyone present when the captain announced this over the loudspeaker," wrote one of the tourists on the Bluesky network.

Response from Zuckerberg's team

In a statement, a spokesperson for Zuckerberg said: "Mark and his family were not on the yacht at the time of the incident. As the Coast Guard reported, the vessel was not in direct danger. When the crew tuned into the call, which was broadcast on a different radio channel than the one we were using, the rescue was already underway. We are glad everyone is safe."

The disabled boat was eventually towed to the nearest bay and all passengers were reported safe. The episode has sparked debate over obligations of large private vessels to assist in nearby maritime emergencies.

Photo: Принтскрин/Јутјуб