Jaw-dropping footage captured the moment an iconic pirate ship sank off the coast of a Mexican resort town, leaving locals mourning what they called a piece of their “soul.”
The Marigalante, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ legendary galleon, the Santa Maria, began taking on water while attempting to return to port for repairs in Puerto Vallarta on Friday afternoon, according to Pirate Ship Vallarta, the company that operated the popular tourist attraction.
The wooden vessel was navigating the Pacific Ocean to undergo technical maintenance when it became inoperable near the Buenaventura Hotel in Jalisco.
The Marigalante sinks off Puerto Vallarta, leaving locals mourning
On October 10, 2025, the Marigalante, an iconic replica of Christopher Columbus’ galleon the Santa Maria, sank off the coast of Puerto Vallarta after a system failure left the ship inoperable.
As first responders rushed to evacuate the crew, the vessel’s condition worsened. Everyone onboard was safely evacuated before the ship submerged, according to the company and local firefighters.
Video captured by Jalisco representative Yussara Canales shows the Marigalante tilting to its starboard side as water flooded the top deck, eventually plunging into the sea. Rescue boats and nearby vessels moved away as the three towering masts disappeared beneath the surface, while barrels and other debris floated back up.
“Today, the Marigalante, a little piece of Vallarta’s soul, passed away. We grew up watching it sail the sea, bringing joy and pride to our port,” Canales wrote on Instagram. “Its image will forever remain in our memories and in the hearts of those who love this bay.”
Crew members were safely rescued before the Marigalante sank into the Pacific Ocean.
Authorities attributed the sinking to a bilge system malfunction caused by a mechanical or electrical failure in the pumps.
“Due to the strong tide, it was impossible to save the boat, which unfortunately ended up sinking,” Puerto Vallarta civil protection officials and firefighters said.
Built in 1987 and launched in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas, the Marigalante had become a beloved tourist attraction. The ship offered sailing tours around the bay, featuring a “spectacular pirate show,” fireworks, dinner, and an open bar, according to the operating company.
The sinking was attributed to a bilge system malfunction caused by a mechanical or electrical failure in the pumps.
“Since its arrival in Puerto Vallarta, the Marigalante became a living symbol of identity, history, and pride, gracing the bay with its majestic presence and offering unforgettable experiences to millions of visitors,” the company said in a statement.
“Together with the people of Vallarta, we take great pride in this ship, which for more than thirty years stood as an emblem of joy, tradition, and beauty in our bay,” the statement continued.
Pirate Ship Vallarta also pledged to support its staff “throughout the process” and reassured customers that refunds would be issued for all future tours.
The company announced that the Marigalante’s sister ship will replace the lost vessel in the coming months.
