A Different Hero Rescues a Stranded Boat Near Zuckerberg’s Yacht

Earlier this week, the cruise ship Wilderness Legacy came to the aid of a small skiff stranded near Farragut Bay after it ran out of fuel. However, tracking data indicates that the nearest vessel was actually Mark Zuckerberg’s super yacht, Launchpad.

Michael Love, a passenger on the Wilderness Legacy, shared on Bluesky that the captain mentioned Launchpad was closer but “repeatedly refused to respond,” which led to booing from the passengers. AIS tracking data supports that Launchpad was indeed nearer to the distressed vessel but then halted near the bay’s entrance. The Wilderness Legacy was seen passing Launchpad before turning around to tow the stranded boat to safety.

The US Coast Guard and the Marine Exchange of Alaska did not immediately provide comments. However, Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Shannon Shepard stated that “at approximately 9:56 p.m., the Coast Guard determined they were not in distress and issued a marine assistance request broadcast on their behalf.”

Brian Baker, spokesperson for Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, clarified that “Mark and his family were not on board at the time of the incident. As the Coast Guard noted, the boat was not in distress, and by the time the crew reviewed the Coast Guard contact on a different radio channel from the one they were operating on, the assist was already underway. We’re grateful all parties are safe.”