This month, the yachting community and beyond were stunned by the tragic loss of life resulting from the sinking of the 56-metre Bayesian. This disaster occurred amidst a summer already marked by numerous calamities, including a storm in Formentera, Spain, which caused a dozen sailing yachts to run aground, and a fire that destroyed the 47-metre Atina in Sardinia, Italy. These incidents prompted BOAT International to question whether more yachts are at risk of sinking, colliding, or catching fire. In more positive developments, the first images of Admiral's flagship yacht, referred to as Platinum, were unveiled, and the historic 135.9-metre Blohm & Voss superyacht Savarona returned to the water after a lengthy refit.
On August 19, the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Seven lives were lost, including six individuals who were aboard the yacht when it went down. It is believed that Bayesian was being used to celebrate a recent victory in an 13-year £8 billion fraud case. An investigation into the cause of the sinking is currently underway. In another incident, the 78.2-metre Feadship superyacht Venus collided with the 104.9-metre Lady Moura off the coast of Naples, Italy. Footage of the collision, taken by Lady Moura's owner, was released on August 7, although both yachts were reported in the same area on July 22 according to BOATPro. Representatives from both parties have since issued statements. Additionally, the 30.5-metre Wally sailing yacht Wally Love ran aground following a storm on the Spanish island of Formentera, and the 47-metre Heesen yacht Atina sank after a fire broke out while anchored in the Gulf of Olbia in Sardinia, Italy.
Other notable incidents include the 26.2-metre Canados yacht Manta sinking off the coast of Corsica after hitting a shallow reef, and the 31.7-metre Versilcraft motor yacht Illusions partially sinking while moored in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Furthermore, a fire at Zea Marina in Athens, Greece, resulted in the destruction of three yachts, including the 42.3-metre Libra Y. In more positive news, the first images of Admiral's flagship yacht, known as Platinum, were revealed. Platinum is the largest superyacht launched by Admiral and has remained under wraps since construction began in 2019. The 135.9-metre Blohm & Voss superyacht Savarona was also seen back on the water after a multi-year refit and recommissioning project at Istanbul Shipyard Command.
Lastly, it was announced that the 66-metre offshore rescue vessel Project UFO, also known as Ocean Falcon, would not undergo a conversion at Lürssen. The vessel was intended to be extended by four metres and converted into an explorer yacht for charter, but Lürssen cited challenges that would make it difficult to meet the expectations of all parties involved.
