Authorities have successfully refloated and removed the 37.8-metre motor yacht Lovebug from Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, US. The yacht, which took on water and ran aground in the West River on 27 July, had remained partially submerged since the incident.
Salvage operations were initially scheduled to commence on 13 August but were delayed due to Tropical Storm Debby, which brought strong winds and tides to the area. According to local reports, Lovebug is being towed to New Jersey and will then be transported to a shipyard along the Maurice River. The area boasts three shipyards: Dorchester Shipyard, Delaware Bay Shipbuilding Co., and Yank Marine LLC. Donjon Marine Co. of New York and New Jersey is overseeing the salvage operation.
As Lovebug is without power, it is being towed alongside a 60.9-metre crane barge named Farrell 256 for safety. BOATPro reports that Lovebug was en route to Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, when the incident occurred. The US Coast Guard confirmed that there were no reports of pollution at the time, with an oil boom deployed around the vessel to prevent potential spills. The status of any subsequent pollution remains unreported.
The five individuals on board were safely rescued by a good Samaritan and a tow boat, with the vessel not obstructing the navigational channel. Built in 2010 under the name Anastasia M, Lovebug is designed by Italian studio Francesco Paszkowski Design. The superyacht has changed ownership multiple times and was last sold in 2021 for $7,995,000. It was also a frequent participant in the yacht charter market.
Features of the yacht include a sundeck with a small swimming pool, bar, and sunpads, accommodating 11 guests and seven crew. The cause of the incident remains unknown. BOAT International will provide updates as the story unfolds.
