Man accused of stealing yacht in Martin County after chase on Intracoastal
MARTIN COUNTY — The Sheriff's Office pursued a luxury yacht reported stolen that was traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway in the Hobe Sound area on May 5, according to sheriff's officials.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office in pursuit of a stolen luxury yacht on May 5, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security assisted in the investigation.
The 66-foot yacht was stolen from Blowing Rocks Marina in Tequesta earlier that evening, sheriff's officials said.
The yacht was boarded by Nikolai Vilka, a Russian national, who attempted to flee from deputies through the Intracoastal Waterway, sheriff's officials stated on Facebook.
The dockmaster reported the yacht stolen and Martin County ground units, marine units, and a helicopter were in pursuit. SWAT team members and criminal investigations detectives were also on the scene.
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The yacht was boarded and Vilka was removed and taken into custody.
Vilka told law enforcement officials he did not speak English, so the Department of Homeland Security brought a Russian interpreter to the Martin County Sheriff's Office to assist with the investigation.
This story will be updated.
Olivia Franklin is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Olivia on X @Livvvvv_5 or reach her by phone at 317-627-8048. E-mail her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Accused yacht thief in custody after MCSO chases on Intracoastal
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