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Crews continue efforts to remove grounded yacht on Palm Beach

Posted at 7:38 PM, Sep 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-10 18:01:56-04

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Coast Guard are still monitoring the efforts to remove a 72-foot grounded yacht on Palm Beach.

It is now day three since the vessel ran ashore.

The main focus Friday was to pump out the remaining diesel fuel to avoid any potential hazards to the marine life.

“They’re sending out a hose into the vessel where they’ll be pulling out the diesel fuel. They’re storing that into approved container,” said Carol Lyn Parrish with the FWC.

RELATED: Boater arrested in Palm Beach yacht incident was charged with BUI in Brevard County last month

The yacht’s captain, Thomas Baker, is responsible for hiring the private contractors to remove the fuels and then ultimately tow vessel.

Police say Baker ran the boat ashore while drinking early Wednesday morning. Police charged him with boating under the influence. And it’s not his first BUI either. Baker got a BUI just weeks before.

FWC officials say the yacht seems to have taken on some water and is now tilting to the side.

The boating accident investigation is still ongoing.