A 30-foot sailboat from Hilton Head, S.C., ran aground just north of the Flagler Beach pier shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday. A crew of two—a man and a woman in their late 30s to early 40s—were aboard the vessel. Fortunately, neither was injured in the incident. However, the boat’s keel was damaged, rendering it inoperable.
“From my understanding, they departed from Hilton Head, South Carolina, and were sailing to Miami when they ran aground just north of the pier,” Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox explained. The exact cause of the incident remains unknown, he and Police Chief Matt Doughney said Friday morning. The crew is currently staying in Flagler Beach.
Flagler Beach fire and police departments, along with Flagler County Fire Rescue, responded to the scene Thursday night. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers also arrived Friday morning to assist. The captain secured the boat with several anchors to prevent it from drifting toward the pier, which is currently a busy construction zone. Authorities were particularly concerned about the possibility of the vessel nearing the pier and creating additional hazards.
“After Fish and Wildlife responded today, coordinating efforts have been made with Towboat USA to remove the vessel and tow it to the nearest port, which we’re assuming is in Daytona,” Cox said. The tow is expected to take place before noon. “They’re unable to get underway without being towed,” he added.
In the meantime, the grounded sailboat has become the main attraction in Flagler Beach today, drawing attention from residents and visitors alike.
https://flaglerlive.com/sailboat-runs-aground-in-flagler-beach-close-to-the-piers-construction-zone/