2024 has seen a worrying rise in yacht accidents, including fires, collisions, and sinkings. Experts believe this increase is due to a mix of factors, such as new technologies, bad weather, and the aging of many superyachts.
Extreme weather events have also had a big impact, with several yachts caught in unexpected storms. At the same time, more accidents have occurred between luxury yachts and commercial ships, especially in busy cruising areas like the Mediterranean.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most notable yacht disasters of 2024 and explore what went wrong.
1-Superyacht Atina Sinks Following Fire in Sardinia
A big fire on August 10, 2024, sank the 47-meter-long Atina superyacht in Sardinia's Gulf of Olbia. The fire was so fast that the Coast Guard couldn't save the boat. Crews are working to clean up the mess and should be finished by the end of September.
2-Blaze Devastates Zea Marina in Athens
On Thursday, Aug. 1, a destructive fire swept through Zea Marina in Athens, Greece, causing severe damage to multiple yachts, including the 42.3-meter Libra Y. The incident resulted in substantial losses, with several of the affected vessels being renowned designs by prominent figures in the yachting industry.
3-Yacht and Freighter Collide in German Bight
On October 3, 2024, a 9.50-meter sailing yacht collided with the freighter Lotta near the Outer Elbe. While the freighter sustained no damage, the yacht suffered a broken mast and hull breach. The solo skipper escaped unharmed due to the quick intervention of another yacht crew who prevented the vessel from drifting onto a reef.
Rescue cruisers from DGzRS arrived promptly, provided assistance, and towed the yacht safely to Cuxhaven. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
4-Wally Love Takes a Beating: Yacht Damaged in Formentera Storm
On August 15, 2024 - The 31-meter luxury sailing yacht Wally Love, found itself in distress during a fierce storm near Formentera, Spain. The yacht ran aground, becoming one of many vessels damaged by the sudden and severe weather conditions. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of maritime conditions, even in seemingly calm waters.
5-26m Yacht Manta Sinks in Corsica After Hitting Reef
On August 15, 2024, the 26.2-meter Canados yacht Manta struck a reef near Corsica's Sentosa lighthouse and sank in shallow waters. The incident occurred at 6:33 a.m. local time and prompted a swift response involving 17 rescuers, including divers and medical personnel.
All 11 passengers onboard had safely evacuated before the rescue team’s arrival and were transported to Propriano via RIBs. Despite rescue efforts, the yacht could not be salvaged and sank near the commune of Sartène.
Local authorities have imposed a swimming ban in the area, and plans are underway to remove the wreck.
6-27m Yacht Dominic Destroyed by Fire in Isla Mujeres
On July 26, 2024, the 27.3-meter Maiora motor yacht Dominic caught fire off Isla Mujeres in Cancun. Despite efforts by a passing ferry and emergency services, the blaze consumed the vessel. All eight onboard, including six guests and two crew members, evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
Naval personnel contained the fire using a hydrocarbon barrier to prevent environmental damage. Delivered in 2008, the yacht was known for its luxury design and high performance.
7-Collision Between Venus and Lady Moura Near Naples
On July 22, 2024, Steve Jobs' former yacht Venus collided with Lady Moura, owned by Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas, off Naples, Italy. A sudden wind shift led to the incident while both yachts were anchored. Salinas shared a video of the collision, blaming Venus' crew for not noticing Lady Moura.
The damage was minor but costly to repair. Both yachts remained anchored, and the captains discussed necessary repairs afterwards. Venus was commissioned by Jobs, while Lady Moura was sold for $125 million in 2021.
8-Tragic Sinking of Superyacht Bayesian: Seven Lives Lost in Storm off Sicily
On August 19, 2024, the 56-meter superyacht Bayesian sank off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, after being hit by a violent storm. Seven people, including UK entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his family, tragically lost their lives.
The yacht sank in just 16 minutes due to a sudden downburst, with investigators now looking into possible crew negligence and the vessel’s design. The captain and two crew members are under investigation for suspected manslaughter and causing the shipwreck. Survivors, including Lynch’s wife, were rescued from a life raft.
9-Fire Breaks Out on SwanShadow Yacht at Yachting Festival 2024 in Cannes
On September 11, 2024, a fire erupted on the SwanShadow yacht at the Yachting Festival in Cannes. Thick smoke was seen coming from the engine hold vents at 10:32 AM. The yacht was swiftly towed away by security to prevent the fire from spreading. Thanks to the yacht's fire suppression system and the quick response of the fire brigade, the fire was contained. No injuries were reported, and the festival continued without further disruption.
10-Small Luxury Yacht Inferno Fire Erupts at Puerto Banus
On October 20, 2024, a luxury yacht caught fire at Puerto Banús in Marbella, Spain. The fire broke out just before 4:30 PM at Pier 8, quickly attracting attention from tourists and locals. Thick smoke billowed over the Costa del Sol, triggering a swift response from emergency services.
The local fire brigade, Guardia Civil, and Policía Local arrived promptly, managing to contain the fire by 4:40 PM. No injuries were reported, and thanks to the quick action, the blaze was prevented from spreading to neighboring yachts.
Member discussion