Two people were rescued when an 80-foot yacht struck an underwater object and started to sink over off the Florida coast during the Memorial Day weekend, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast.

The Coast Guard’s Jacksonville station received a distress call just after 11:30 a.m. Saturday from the yacht Atlantis, saying the motor yacht was taking on water three miles off St. Augustine Beach.

A Coast Guard boat crew was dispatched, with notification sent out to multiple first responder agencies ad nearby good Samaritans to assist.

The yacht operator was instructed to activate the yacht’s emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) which allowed rescuers to accurately determine the yacht’s position.

Marine units from the St. Johns Sheriff’s Office and St. Augustine Police Department arrived at the scene first and rescued the two people who were aboard the yacht.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partner agencies for their invaluable assistance during this case,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, command duty officer, Sector Jacksonville. “With the weather improving and mariners heading out onto the water, it’s imperative for everyone to verify the presence of all necessary safety equipment aboard their vessel. This ensures that responders, as demonstrated in this case, can swiftly locate you and render assistance when an emergency arises.”

A hazard warning was issued to alert boaters to the location of the partially submerged yacht. The yacht’s owner will arrange salvage of the vessel, the Coast Guard said.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.