MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has apprehended Nikolai Vilka, a Russian national, for stealing a 66-foot luxury yacht from Blowing Rocks Marina in Tequesta on Monday evening, May 5, 2025. [caption id="attachment_7156" align="aligncenter" width="1079"] Martin County Sheriff’s Office secures the stolen 66-foot luxury yacht on the Intracoastal Waterway following a pursuit, with assistance from marine units. Credit: MCSO[/caption] According to the MCSO Facebook page, Vilka attempted to flee via the Intracoastal Waterway after taking the vessel. The dockmaster quickly reported the theft, leading to a coordinated pursuit involving MCSO ground units, marine units, and the department’s Air One helicopter. Vilka was apprehended following the chase. [caption id="attachment_7158" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Nikolai Vilka, a Russian national, is apprehended by Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies after stealing a luxury yacht from a Tequesta marina. Credit: MCSO[/caption] Vilka, who claims he does not speak English, is currently under investigation. The Department of Homeland Security is assisting MCSO and has dispatched a Russian interpreter to aid in communication during the investigation. SIMILAR STORIES $1 Million Luxury Yacht Sinks Off Florida, 2 Rescued $4 Million Tecnomar Lamborghini Yacht Sinks Off Miami