Emergency services responded to a maritime incident off the coast of Palmanova this morning after a small sailing boat, the 'Valent Segundo' began taking on water and partially sank near the shoreline.
A bright orange rescue vessel from Spain’s maritime search and rescue service arrived at the scene, where several crew members in protective gear worked to secure the sailboat.
However, according to witnesses at the scene, the rescue crew eventually departed without towing the sailboat away. The vessel was left in the water, still partially submerged, leaving uncertainty about its fate.
Personnel confirmed that there were no crew members on board and installed a water pump in an attempt to refloat it, but were unsuccessful, and it eventually sank.
Authorities tried to contact the owner of the yacht but received no response. It appeared to be abandoned. Further updates are expected as more details emerge about the situation off the Palmanova coast.