The process of removing the 37.8-metre motor yacht Lovebug is progressing smoothly, with authorities having successfully refloated the vessel. The yacht, which took on water and ran aground in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay on July 27, has been stuck there since. Salvage operations were initially scheduled to start on August 13 but were delayed due to Tropical Storm Debby, which brought strong winds and tides to the area.
According to local reports, Lovebug will be towed to New Jersey and then transported to a shipyard along the Maurice River. The area has 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.
Lovebug is currently located near the mouth of the West River, approximately half a mile offshore between Beverly Beach and Curtis Point, Maryland. The yacht was en route to Annapolis, Maryland's capital, when the incident happened. A statement from the US Coast Guard shortly after the incident assured that there were no reports of pollution at the time, with an oil boom deployed around the vessel to prevent potential spills. There has been no update on any pollution resulting from the yacht's continued submersion.
The five people on board were safely rescued by a good Samaritan and a tow boat, and the vessel is 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 owners several times and was last sold in 2021 for a reported asking price of $7,995,000. It was also a frequent participant in the yacht charter circuit.
Features of the yacht include a sundeck with a small swimming pool, bar, and sunpads. It can accommodate 11 guests and seven crew members. The cause of the incident remains unknown.
