With the recent loss of the 40-metre sailing superyacht My Song that has created a buzz in the media, Yacht Harbour takes a look over some of the major accidents resulting in superyachts destructions in the recent years.
In September 2018, a large fire broke out at Lürssen's Bremen shipyard in a floating dock and building unit where the over-100-metre yacht was under construction. Various social media posts pointed out the damaged new build, 3 decks of which at least have caught on fire, to be the 146-metre Project Sassi, which was reportedly due for delivery within several months.
Over 110 firefighters were dispatched to the site, no one was injured during the incident but the new build reportedly took serious damage. The development was further set to hit the insurance sector with a group of marine insurers that could be facing a payment of up to €590 million over the fire.
In November 2018, coasts of Italy have been pounded by the waves of extreme weather, causing violent waves up to 10 metres and winds up to 180 km/h, breaking a lot of luxury yachts from their berths in Rapallo and killing at least 11 people. Local media described the landscape around the port of Rapallo as an apocalyptic.
Marina's director told there were 390 yachts in the marina, with the half of them destroyed. There was storm barrier for 300 metres, rebuilt after the collapse in 2000, but it wasn't enough for such an extreme event. City of Venice is reported to be 75% submerged. Among others, the yacht of Silvio Berlusconi was also damaged in disaster.
In October 2018, a major fire broke out on board the 42 metre Benetti superyacht Lalibela built in 1972. The yacht was heavily damaged due to fire, which broke out at the night while she was docked near Cannes, France. The fire destroyed the top deck and cabins inside, reports Maritime Bulletin.
Firefighters were called to the yacht, and worked for over 12 hours to extinguish the fire. The blaze was reported to have destroyed the top deck and cabins inside. Luckily, the two people on board at the time the fire broke out were safely evacuated.
In September 2018, he newly delivered CCN superyacht Kanga caught devastating fire, just days before her expected debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Kanga was heavily damaged, with the extent of the damage still unknown.
The 40-metre superyacht caught fire while being between the isles of Olipa and Mali Vratnik in Croatia. All thirteen people - 9 guests and 4 crew members were successfully rescued from the vessel.
The biggest superyacht disaster of 2017, a category 4 Hurricane Irma caused severe damage to the Caribbean and Florida region. Yachts based in the region and moored in local marinas were also amongst the infrastructure ravaged in the area. Barbuda and St Maarten were among the worst affected areas, with multiple fatalities and declaring a state of emergency.
With strong winds slamming yachts onto decks, snapping mooring lines and simply damaging some areas of yachts by themselves. Several yachts were reported destroyed, including the 40 metre Mondomarine superyacht Sierra Romeo, Benetti Delfino 93 and the 112 Westport, Pipe Dreams, built in 1999 by the American shipyard.
In the months since, the superyacht community has come together to support Caribbean welfare and rebuilding efforts but it will be many months before the damage is fully repaired.
In January 2016, a major yacht fire broke out at Marmaris marina devastating two prominent superyachts. The blaze was understood to originate on-board the 70.68-metre Lürssen yacht The One, further spreading to a neighbouring vessel, the 52-metre Al Jadaf superyacht Barbie. Other yachts stationed in the harbor have left the harbor to escape the fire.
London-based insurance firm Hiscox MGA later announced that Lloyd’s insurers had paid out $20 million to the owner of Barbie. Paul Miller, director of marine underwriting, said it was the largest superyacht claim that the insurance industry had dealt with in a long time.
In August 2015, shocking pictures of a superyacht sinking off of Mykonos, Greece rocked the web. The clarity of the water gave an unusually up-close glimpse at this sinking yacht, showing ever detail of the 33 metre yacht Aloha's demise.
The yacht represented Navetta 33 custom line. According to the Mykonos Daily, the yacht hit a reef. Fortunately, the four guests on board when the Aloha grounded were able to escape unharmed.
Ocean Independence has unveiled the Mishi 102, the new flagship of Mishi Yachts' sailing range, designed to deliver exceptional experiences for families and friends. The 31-meter sailing superyacht, presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, is available for sale at EUR10.7 million.The Mishi 102 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Mishi 88, offering expanded space and enhanced performance. Ocean Independence broker Lukas Stratmann emphasized the yacht's design as a "natural next step," blending reliability and sailing prowess with the luxury expected of a superyacht.In the competitive 30-33m sailing yacht market, the Mishi 102 distinguishes itself with advanced blue-water sailing capabilities, elegant design, and a competitive price point. “It’s a head-turner that combines comfort, elegance, and speed,” said Stratmann.The yacht offers a spacious deck house and thoughtful interiors designed by Taka Yacht Design and Atilla Eren. It features a large saloon, a versatile galley, and accommodations for up to eight guests, including a luxurious owner’s cabin.Built by the Istanbul-based family-run shipyard, Mishi Yachts, the Mishi 102 reflects decades of craftsmanship, advanced technology, and a commitment to client collaboration. It targets ocean enthusiasts seeking elegant and reliable vessels for exploration.Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Mishi Yachts
January 8, 2025
Bluegame has confirmed its participation in Boot Düsseldorf 2025, Europe’s premier indoor boat show, running from January 18 to 26. The shipyard will exhibit two yachts, the BGX63 and BG74, representing its innovative approach to yacht design and functionality. BGX63Bluegame’s achievements in 2024 included the completion of the BGH-HSV (Hydrogen Support Vessel) used as a chase boat in the America’s Cup. The vessel supported the American Magic and Orient Express Racing Teams, meeting stringent standards and performing in challenging conditions. This project laid the groundwork for Bluegame’s upcoming BGF (Foil) range, with the BGF45 scheduled for a summer 2025 launch.BGX63Additionally, the September boat shows saw the debut of an updated BGM75, featuring synchronized gyroscopes developed with Smart Gyro. This innovation enhanced stability and comfort, marking a first for multihulls.BG74At Boot Düsseldorf, the BGX63 will showcase Bluegame’s crossover concept, blending innovative interior-exterior layouts. The BG74, part of the versatile BG range, combines elements of open and flybridge yachts, offering a multi-purpose design.BG74These models highlight Bluegame’s focus on functionality and design as it builds on a year of technological and commercial milestones.Bluegame is part of Sanlorenzo. The Sanlorenzo shipyard has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958. It is a boutique firm in the yachting industry, building only a limited number of made-to-measure units per year. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner.Credits: Bluegame
January 8, 2025
Heesen Yachts has announced its outlook for 2025, embracing the symbolism of the Chinese Year of the Wood Snake as a reflection of transformation and renewal. With 11 yachts under construction and deliveries scheduled through 2027, the Dutch shipyard anticipates a year of significant milestones.Project SetteesettantaThe company expects five deliveries in 2025, including Serena, Orion, Venus, Agnetha, and Frida, representing yachts in the 50-57m range and fully custom projects up to 80m. This continues Heesen’s focus on tailored craftsmanship and innovative design to meet the growing demand for personalized luxury experiences in the superyacht industry.Reflecting on achievements in 2024, Heesen celebrated a record revenue year and the delivery of notable vessels such as Cinderella Noel IV and Santosha, the first in its 57m series. Construction milestones included the keel laying of Project Grace, the launch of Project Monte-Carlo, and progress on the custom 80m Project Setteesettanta.Heesen Santosha garden of eden by DKTWith a skilled workforce of 1,000 and a dedicated luxury interior workshop, Heesen remains well-positioned for growth. As geopolitical and economic factors shape the industry, the company is committed to delivering yachts that balance advanced technology, design innovation, and craftsmanship.Water cannon salute to celebrate Cinderella Noel IV departureThe Year of the Wood Snake symbolizes renewal, a theme Heesen embraces as it prepares for new opportunities and challenges ahead.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: Heesen Yachts
January 7, 2025
Spanish studio Daroca Design has introduced Real, an 80-metre yacht concept developed as part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection. This approach allows clients to begin with a proven platform by Lateral Naval Architects, then customise both the exterior and interior.According to designer Alejandro Crespo, Real is a “true reflection of a desire for sleek minimalism and perfect proportions,” with an exterior intended to “integrate into the natural landscape.” The design features flowing lines, curved superstructure details, and glass bulwarks. A beach club includes two pools and direct water access via a swim platform. The concept also shows generous lounging areas, a helipad at the bow, and white furnishings for a contemporary look.Crespo describes Real as “a symbol of sincerity and distinction,” designed for both calm coastlines and open waters, with the goal of reconnecting with nature, family, friends, and “the beauty of life.”The Simply Custom designs incorporate advanced technical elements such as optimised stabilisation, pod drives, electric propulsion, and onboard battery storage. Oceanco states that the platform supports renewable diesel fuels like HVO, which can reduce carbon emissions by 80 to 90 per cent compared to standard marine diesel.Real’s unveiling follows the introduction of other Simply Custom concepts, including North West Boatworks’ Aurora earlier in the month.Credit: Daroca Design
December 20, 2024
Aiata, a brand entering the boating market under the Turkish conglomerate Anadolu Group, will make its global debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The show, held from January 18 to January 26, 2025, attracts over 250,000 visitors and more than 1,900 exhibitors worldwide. Aiata will present the Wayfinder 38 in three variations: Cabin, Open, and a specialized Fishing configuration derived from the other two models.The Wayfinder 38 is a 25-foot outboard walkaround designed by Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén. Aiata states that this model “stands for flexibility, comfort and craftsmanship.” The Cabin version includes a wheelhouse layout with an L-shaped salon, integrated galley, Webasto sunroof, and air conditioning system. It offers teak furniture, a queen-size bed, an enclosed bathroom, and 2-meter ceilings. Its wheelhouse incorporates a lift-up mechanism connecting the interior and cockpit. The bow area features a U-shaped sofa with a hi-low table.The Open model is designed for a more outdoor experience, featuring a suntop and a continuous salon layout intended to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Oak furniture complements the open deck.A Fishing configuration is also available, applicable to both Cabin and Open models. It includes a spacious foredeck sunbed and is described as ergonomic and intuitive, making it suitable for day cruises, watersports, or fishing activities. The Wayfinder 38 offers outboard engine options ranging from 300 to 425 horsepower.Yutkun TokYutkun Tok, General Manager of Aiata, said: “We are honored to participate in Boot Düsseldorf, a prestigious platform that celebrates the pinnacle of the boating world. The Wayfinder 38 embodies Aiata’s mission to deliver versatile, high-performance boats backed by the Anadolu Group’s legacy of innovation and excellence. For Aiata, this is a defining moment – not only because we are showcasing the Wayfinder 38, but because it reflects the expertise and unwavering commitment to quality that define the Anadolu Group. Aiata benefits from the financial strength and engineering excellence of Anadolu Group, ensuring every vessel we produce is a symbol of reliability, innovation, and craftsmanship. We look forward to sharing our passion for boating with enthusiasts from around the globe.”Credits: Aiata
December 20, 2024