NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KNX) — A man was arrested Thursday after stealing a 60-foot yacht in coastal Orange County. The alleged theft resulted in a 10-minute chase that ended with the would-be captain hitting two other boats and a seawall in Newport Harbor, according to police.
Joel Siam, 38, of San Diego, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft of a boat and possession of a stolen boat.
Police responded to a report of vandalism near the Pacific Coast Highway shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday. When they arrived, Siam allegedly jumped into the yacht and took off, authorities said.
The yacht almost immediately collided with a docked sailboat, knocking down its mast. A woman was aboard the sailboat when it was struck, according to KTLA. She said the vessel’s starboard side was hit several times.
After colliding with the sailboat, Siam allegedly backed the yacht up, circled once, and continued through the harbor. At this point, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol gave chase. The stolen yacht then hit another parked boat before slamming into a wall beside a bridge.
As of Friday morning, Siam was jailed on $3 million bail.
The yacht was at dock for maintenance and the keys were inside when the suspect allegedly took it, O.C. sheriff’s deputies said. The owner has not yet been publicly identified.
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