It was revealed today that an Italian yacht, the 90 foot Amerigo Vespucci, ran aground ten miles from New Orleans along the Louisiana coast near Chalmette. The United States Coast Guard immediately set up a perimeter around the craft, refusing to allow any media near the site.

Before the press blackout Joshua Frank, the person who first located the Vespucci, indicated to a friend that he had seen seven persons aboard the craft, all deceased. Since that time Mr. Frank has been unavailable for any further statements, and is presumed in custody.

The USCG Coastal Patrol Boat Defiant, carrying a complement of 16, was reported to have intercepted the vessel approximately four miles off the Louisiana coast, according to an official source who asked to remain anonymous. Following their initial radio report indicating contact with the liner, nothing more was heard from the boat’s personnel, and the Defiant has not returned to base at Naval Air Station New Orleans.

A local fisherman reported seeing a column of smoke on the horizon in the early morning hours, and as many as seven persons in the ocean, supported by life jackets. Howard Allen of Metairie indicated that he had turned his boat in the direction of the smoke, and saw the figures in the distance. But before he could reach them a thick fog moved in, and after several hours of searching, he returned to shore.

When contacted for comment, Coast Guard public information officer indicated that the yacht was being examined to determine what caused it to run aground, and that a formal statement would be forthcoming.