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Authorities Respond to Luxury Yacht Crash on Nova Scotia Shore, Uncover $1.5M Onboard
Hidden millions uncovered during a Nova Scotia rescue of a luxury yacht returning from the Caribbean Islands, according to a CBSA press release.
Published on May 28, 2025 at 00:47
By By Saltwire Echo Editorial Team
A luxury yacht ran aground on Nova Scotia’s rugged southern shoreline early Monday morning, drawing immediate attention from residents and authorities. The vessel, sleek and towering, came to rest on the rocks near Shelburne after a turbulent night navigating back from the Caribbean. Locals woke to the surreal sight of the yacht pitched against the coast, its white hull battered by churning waves.
The Canadian Coast Guard was quick to respond, deploying a team to secure the vessel and assess the situation. According to the statement released by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), the ship's crew was found unharmed, though visibly shaken. Investigators noted minor damage to the hull but no immediate environmental hazard, as no fuel leakage was reported.
While the recovery operation was underway, authorities made a startling discovery. Tucked inside a secured compartment below deck was a stash of undeclared currency—neatly bound bundles of Canadian and U.S. dollars totaling approximately $1.5 million. The funds were not listed in the vessel's customs declarations upon reentry into Canadian waters.
The CBSA, in coordination with the RCMP, has launched an investigation to determine the origin and intent of the cash. No arrests have been made, but all individuals on board are being questioned. The vessel is registered in the Cayman Islands, further complicating jurisdictional issues surrounding ownership and liability.
The local community, while intrigued by the drama, expressed concern over the possibility of illicit activity near their shores. “We’ve seen storm damage, sure,” said one Shelburne resident, “but money hidden on a yacht? That’s a first.” The yacht remains under guard at a temporary dock while authorities continue their examination.
Experts in maritime law note that cases like this are rare but not unheard of. “International waters, luxury assets, and tax shelters—these elements often intersect,” said professor Derek Halley of Dalhousie University’s Marine Affairs Program. “It’s less about the crash and more about what that vessel represents in the broader context of global finance.”
Speculation is already swirling online, with amateur sleuths combing maritime databases for clues about the yacht’s recent movements. Tracking data shows the vessel left St. Barts three weeks ago and made brief stops in Bermuda before heading for Nova Scotia. It remains unclear whether the crew was aware of the money onboard.
As authorities dig deeper, questions persist: Was the money linked to legitimate earnings? Was it an attempt at smuggling? Or was it simply a security measure gone awry? For now, the Saltwire Echo continues to follow the unfolding story, as what began as a navigational mishap has evolved into a high-stakes mystery.