Boat sinks two days after couple sell everything to sail around the world

The couple and their dog, Remy, escaped from the sinking unscathed. Photo / Facebook

Tanner Bradwell, 26, and Nikki Walsh, 24, had quit their jobs to pursue their ambitions of sailing the world.

However, shortly after setting out on the adventure of a lifetime these plans were scuppered.

Just two days into their journey their boat, The Lagniappe, came into trouble off the coast of Florida and sank without either insurance or a hope of salvage.

The Tampa Bay Times reported the couple from Colorado had spent two years planning for their journey. Having sold their possessions, they bought the 28-foot boat with a dream of learning how to sail.

The couple, Tanner Broadwell and Nikki Walsh had sold everything to buy their sailboat boat. Photo / AP

That dream died last Wednesday, near the port of John's Pass.

Sailing unfamiliar channel at night, the inexperienced sailors stuck a submerged object and began taking on water.

Shallow water of the sandbar made a rescue attempts near impossible for towboat crews.

Less than an hour after coming into trouble the couple were forced to abandon ship.

Walsh was able to rescue few possessions including phones, Identity cards and cash, but the couple had invested over $5,000 in the boat.

"I'm just standing there in awe," she told The Tampa Times. "I just lost everything I ever owned. I see my things floating away and I can't get to them."

Their pug dog, Remy, was also able to escape from the accident unscathed.

Sunken dreams: The Lagniappe collided with a submerged object. Photo / Facebook

"I sold everything I had to do this," Broadwell said, "and I lost everything in a matter of 20 minutes."

In spite of the trauma of sinking and the costs of cleaning up the wreckage, the couple have not been put off their dream of life aboard a sail boat.
Speaking with ABC, Wash said they were determined to get back on their feet: "The boat sank, but our dreams didn't sink with the boat."