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The 5 tragic minutes that sank a superyacht

PORTICELLO, Italy — Survivors of a storm that sank a superyacht off Sicily recounted their ordeal to one of the doctors who rushed to their aid, with some saying it took mere minutes for the 180-foot ship to go down. 

Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News on the phone Thursday that he arrived in the seaside village of Porticello before dawn Monday, about an hour after the $40 million Bayesian sank in the violent and sudden storm.   

Of the 22 people onboard, 15 survived despite storm conditions and darkness, climbing onto a lifeboat before being rescued by a nearby sailboat. The crew members have made no public statements so far, though some have been interviewed by investigators.

“They told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down,” Genco said, recounting what the survivors told him. “All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries,” he said. 

It appears they had just minutes to abandon the sinking ship, Genco said. 

“They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there,” he said, “And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes.”

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini Navi, the Bayesian's shipbuilder, told Sky News that there were no flaws with the design or construction of the yacht. He said their structure and keel made boats like that “unsinkable bodies.”

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he disavowed responsibility, blaming instead the actions of the crew. “Mistakes were made,” he said. 

Genco said one of his colleagues who arrived at the scene before him initially thought that only three people survived, but the coast guard reported there were other survivors and more emergency services were called in. 

When Genco arrived, he found scenes of panic and despair. 

“Unfortunately, we are used to such panic scenes because we are used to the shipwrecks that happen on Lampedusa ,” Genco said, referring to the island southwest of Sicily, where the wreckage of boats carrying migrants on the sea journey from North Africa to Italy are often found . 

Six of the passengers were declared missing Monday, and by Thursday, the bodies of five had been recovered from the wreck , some 160 feet underwater.

Among those who survived is Angela Bacares, wife of the British tech mogul Mike Lynch , whose body was recovered Thursday. 

Another survivor has been identified as Charlotte Emsley, 35. She told the Italian news agency ANSA that she had momentarily lost hold of her year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but managed to retrieve her and hold her over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were pulled into safety.

Dr. Domenico Cipolla at the Di Cristina Children’s Hospital in Palermo is also part of a team of medical professionals treating the shipwreck survivors. He told the BBC on Wednesday that Emsley and her daughter, as well as the father of the child, who Cipolla said also survived, are continuing to receive psychological help. 

“Psychological support was constant and is constant even today, because basically it is the wounds of the soul that are the most in need of healing in these cases,” Cipolla said.

Genco also told NBC News that he was especially concerned about the child. “She did not understand anything. She was soaking wet and cold,” he said. 

Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, a yacht that was anchored near the Bayesian, said by phone Wednesday that he saw a thunderstorm come in at around 4 a.m. local time (10 p.m. ET) Monday, followed by what looked like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms over water. 

The International Centre for Waterspout Research noted on X that there was a “waterspout outbreak” off Italy on Monday, the day the Bayesian sank. 

“I turned on the engine and made maneuvers so that we wouldn’t collide with the Bayesian, which was anchored about 100 meters from us,” Borner said. “Then all of a sudden it disappeared. Then the wind calmed down, we looked around and saw a red flare.”

Borner said he got into his boat’s tender and saw a life raft with 15 people on it. Members of the crew were administering first aid. 

“I don’t know why it sank so quickly, but it may have something to do with the mast which was incredibly long,” he said. Questions have been raised about whether the mast was to blame for the accident as tall masts, even with the sails down, have more surface area exposed to the wind, which can contribute to tipping a vessel in a storm.

The CCTV footage that emerged Tuesday showed the yacht’s 250-foot mast, believed to be one of the tallest aluminum sailing masts in the world, lashed by the storm as it appears to tilt to one side before disappearing.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

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Design Story

The second hull of the 47-meter Mengi-Yay Virtus series B.A.L.M.Y. has been launched. This exceptional yacht features interior design by Red Yacht Design, exterior design by VYD, and naval architecture by Ginton Naval Architects. She features accommodation for up to ten guests split between a master suite and four further cabins. Meanwhile, the crew quarters allow for a staff of up to eight people.

She boasts plentiful deck spaces, including a foredeck seating and sunbathing area. The superyacht sundeck is split between a spa pool and an area for sun loungers back aft, while the sheltered cockpit includes an aft-facing wrap of seating for great views out to sea.

Power will come from a pair of 1,450hp Caterpillar C32 diesel engines for a top speed of 14.5 knots. When trimmed back to a cruising speed of 12 knots, she   boasts an impressive range thanks to a total fuel capacity of 55,260 liters.

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Emotional diver who recovered Hannah Lynch's body from Bayesian describes 'relief' after 'unbearable tension'

A diver who led the search for four Brits and two Americans who went missing after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily has detailed the difficult and emotional ordeal.

Seven people died after luxury vessel Bayesian sank in severe weather near Porticello, northern Sicily, in the early hours of August 19.

British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among those recovered.

“That young girl should have been writing important pages of her life but sadly the story ended up very differently,” said Giuseppe Petrone, chief of the Italian Firefighters Dive Team, told MailOnline .

Hannah was a former pupil of west London private school Latymer Upper School, who had been due to study English Literature at the University of Oxford.

Those who died in the tragedy also included Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the vessel; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife Neda Morvillo.

Mr Petrone told MailOnline 27 divers had been involved in the “difficult operation”.

Divers were only about to spend around 14 minutes maximum on the yacht, which was lying on the seabed at a depth of around 49 metres, with debris obstructing access points.

“The yacht was on its right hand side. All of the cabins had been invaded with floating debris, mattresses, sheets, wardrobes,” he told MailOnline.

“It was due to this large amount of floating debris that the operation progressed with difficulty.

“The cabins were dark and there was barely any visibility, so as a result the environment was hostile and the situation was getting more difficult.”

He said Hannah had been the most difficult person to find.

“She [Hannah] was the furthest away, we are talking about a situation where to advance just a metre took four or five dives.

“It was such a relief to have found her after almost five days. The tension had been unbearable until then.”

A manslaughter investigation has been opened into the deaths of those who died in the tragedy, an Italian prosecutor said.

The boat trip was a celebration of Mr Lynch’s acquittal in a fraud case in the US.

The businessman, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was cleared in June of carrying out a massive fraud relating to its 11 billion dollar (£8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard.

A spokesperson for the Lynch family said: “The Lynch family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends.

“Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy.

“They would like to sincerely thank the Italian coastguard, emergency services and all those who helped in the rescue.

“Their one request now is that their privacy be respected at this time of unspeakable grief.”

Hannah’s sister called her “the most amazing, supportive and joyful sister and best friend to me”.

Of the 22 passengers and crew on board, 15, including Mr Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued after escaping on to a lifeboat.

The prosecutor in charge of the manslaughter probe, Raffaele Cammarano, has suggested that passengers may not have been able to escape from the yacht because they were asleep.

Asked why they were not woken up or alerted, he said that is something investigators are trying to work out.

He said several of the bodies onboard the sunken yacht were found in a single cabin which was not theirs.

Maritime director of western Sicily Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda said the weather at the time of the yacht’s sinking was abnormal and there was nothing to suggest such an extreme situation would arise.

He told a press conference that there was no tornado alert in place at the time.

Mr Cammarano added that the yacht had been hit by a downburst, which are powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and spread out quickly once they hit the ground.

Officials said they would be looking at how it could so badly affect the Bayesian, and not other nearby vessels.

Mr Macauda could not confirm how long it would take to retrieve the shipwreck of the sunken yacht and made clear that the owners will bear the full cost of retrieval, although he could not estimate the figure.

The bodies of all six missing passengers were taken to shore in the small fishing village of Porticello, about 11 miles from the Sicilian capital Palermo.

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Captain of sunken Bayesian superyacht to be questioned by prosecutors

27 August 2024, 13:41

By Henry Moore

The captain of the Bayesian superyacht will face his first round of questioning on Tuesday as prosecutors consider placing him under investigation for manslaughter.

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James Cutfield, 51, was the captain of the yacht that sunk off the coast of Sicily last week, killing seven people including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter.

Of the 22 passengers and crew aboard the boat, 15 were rescued, including Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares.

One of two lawyers appointed to represent Cutfield, Aldo Mordiglia, said: “He is feeling the terrible effects of this tragedy but wants to co-operate.”

“He is free to go but is staying in Sicily to co-operate. I hope he can go home as soon as possible,” Mordiglia added, speaking to The Times.

Cutfiled is being investigated for possible manslaughter and culpable shipwreck over the incident, according to Italian media reports.

However, reports in Italy say this investigation does not imply the New Zealand-born captain is guilty.

Three other crew members are set to be confirmed as under investigation, Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica claimed today.

These include the Dutch second-in-command Tijs Koopmans, the British engineer Tim Parker Eaton and the British crew member Matthew Griffith.

Griffith was reportedly on duty at around 3:50am on the night the Bayesian sank.

Chief prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio confirmed on Saturday that a manslaughter investigation into the sinking had been launched, but did not give any names.

The boat trip was a celebration of Mr Lynch's acquittal in a fraud case in the US. The businessman, who founded the software giant Autonomy in 1996, was cleared in June of carrying out a massive fraud relating to its 11 billion US dollar (£8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard.

A decision on whether to raise the sunken yacht from the seabed is "not on the agenda", but will be in the future, a spokesman from the Italian Coastguard has said.

This comes amid reports Mike Lynch 'held concerns about the killer nurse Lucy Letby's conviction' before he died aboard his £30m superyacht last week, a former Tory minister has said.

Former Brexit secretary David Davis said that the late billionaire yacht owner was considering funding a British "Innocence Project" to look at the baby killer's case.

Letby, 34, was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court for murdering seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit between June 2015 and June 2016.

She has received 15 whole life orders following her convictions at Manchester Crown Court.

Mr Davis said Mr Lynch believed the prosecution case against Letby was weak in an interview with the Sunday Times.

Writing in the newspaper, the Tory bigwig said: "He raised the case of the Lucy Letby trial as one that had already caught his attention.

"Mike was a world-class expert on probability theory, and saw straight through the statistical weaknesses that underpinned the Letby prosecution."

Paying tribute to the late Mr Lynch, Mr Davis said: "The tragic death of Mike Lynch marks the end of an incredible life and the loss of a man whose name became synonymous with battling the injustices of the UK-US extradition treaty."

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Manslaughter Probe Launched After Bayesian Yacht Sinking Kills British Entrepreneur, Morgan Stanley Chief

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Italian authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation into the captain of the luxury Bayesian sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily last week in a wreck that killed seven people, including Britsh tech entrepreneur Michael Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, and Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer.

Italian Coast Guards take part in searches of missing off Porticello near Palermo, on Aug. 21, 2024.

Italian prosecutors will investigate James Cutfield, the captain of the Bayesian, for manslaughter after the ship sank in rough weather overnight on Aug. 18, multiple outlets reported Monday.

The investigation will look into if the crew of the ship appropriately handled the storm that hit the yacht before it capsized, if passengers were warned of imminent danger and if hatches on the ship were left ajar, which would have contributed to its quick sinking.

As part of the probe, the ship will be raised from the waters in which it sank later this year, CNN reported , at the cost of registered owner Angela Bacares, the wife and mother, respectively, of victims Michael and Hannah Lynch.

The Bayesian, named for a mathematical theory, is currently about 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface near the port of Porticello in Sicily, Italy, and sank less than a minute after it capsized.

Officials have said the passengers who died—Michael and Hannah Lynch, Jonathan and Judy Bloomer and Chris and Neda Morvillo—were likely asleep at the time of the sinking.

Notices of investigations into an incident must be issued in Italy before autopsies can be done on victims, Reuters reported , and the opening of a probe does not necessarily mean formal charges will follow.

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Key Background

The Bayesian is a 184-foot luxury sailing yacht with a 246-foot aluminum mast—the tallest of its kind in the world. It is legally owned by Bacares and her late husband "had a lot of pride" in his yacht, a staff member told The Times of London. The Lynch/Bacares family was on board with seven guests and the boat was anchored when a storm hit overnight on Sunday, Aug. 18. The harsh weather included a " waterspout ," a tornado-like swirling column of air and water, that caused the vessel to top over and it was then quickly dragged underwater. Of the 10 passengers, six died in the capsizing and their bodies were recovered last week. There were also 12 crew members on board and one, Recaldo Thomas, also died. Among those resued were Bacares; Charlotte Golunski, a partner at Lynch's Invoke Capital, along with her partner and her baby daughter; lawyer Ayla Ronald and her partner.

Lynch, Bloomer and Morvillo were all involved in a massive fraud trial that saw Hewlett-Packard accuse Lynch and others of artificially inflating the value of his software company, Autonomy, before HP purchased it in 2011. Lynch was indicted for conspiracy and wire fraud in the sale but was acquitted alongside his co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain, who was killed in a car crash in the U.K. the same weekend the Bayesian sank in Italy. Bloomer testified for the defense at Lynch’s trial, according to the Associated Press , and Morvillo was one of the lawyers on the case.

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Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Short Answer

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Notable Superyacht Owners

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

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• Meet the Chefs Swapping Michelin-Starred Kitchens for Superyacht Galleys

“I get to travel the world and cook with the best produce. Isn’t that the dream?” 

Chrissie mcclatchie, chrissie mcclatchie's most recent stories.

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When Neil Snowball handed in his notice at Gordon Ramsay’s Pétrus in early 2016, he was giving up a coveted head chef role at the Michelin -starred restaurant in London’s exclusive Belgravia neighborhood.

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Snowball’s path was uncharted territory; yachting has long been a niche in the restaurant industry. “There’s some stigma that yacht chefs aren’t real chefs, so the crossover isn’t easy,” he tells Robb Report.

As with Snowball, money is the primary motivation, explains Mymuybueno founder Justine Murphy. The average head chef on a yacht has the potential to earn a tax-free monthly salary of between $8,000 to $13,000 per month. The premium for Michelin experience can see an extra $2,000 to $4,000 added to that. 

“These chefs largely want to come and earn the money that the luxury industry will provide them for a year or two and then return to land to work towards their own restaurant,” Murphy, who herself spent six years as a private chef on yachts, explains. 

Before they even step onboard, however, there’s an audience of yacht owners eagerly awaiting them.

“If you are going to have your own private chef, the preference is for someone with experience in Michelin establishments because of what they can bring to the table, such as modern trends or even the very dishes from the restaurant the owner loves,” Murphy says.

Lenz says if he’d known how easy it was to make such a salary on yachts with his experience, he would have made the switch a decade earlier. But it’s more than just money — and a two-months-on, two-months-off job rotation — that keeps him on the water.

“I get to travel and to see the world and cook with the best produce,” Lenz says. “Isn’t that the dream?” 

The photos from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and St. Barths interspersed with pretty plated dishes and daily banter with crew offer Lenz’s 180,000-plus followers on Instagram ( @billionaire_ch3f ) a glimpse into the yacht chef lifestyle. Lenz knows that social media accounts such as his inspire some of the most talented land-based chefs.

“People see that I’m shopping in local markets or cooking a fresh tuna that the crew reeled in,” he explains. “In a restaurant, that piece of tuna would already be five or six days old before we received it.”

While his job may look picture-perfect, Lenz says the swap from land to water required a total mindset shift. “You have to change how you cook,” he says. “You don’t have the manpower you need, nor the time, nor any of the pots and equipment you would use in a Michelin-starred restaurant.”

Murphy agrees that, for some chefs, the transition can be a shock to the system. “They are without the support system in a restaurant, where each chef is responsible for a different section. On a yacht you are doing it all on your own, or with one other if the vessel is over 60 meters [197 feet],” she explains. 

And not all of them are cut out for the industry, she adds.

“There are a lot of important attributes to have, especially humility,” says Murphy.  “I see it all too many times, chefs who come in and jump around and leave before they have even started, because it’s a whole lot harder than they imagined.”

It’s been four years since the business was founded and the duo is on the cusp of topping $5 million in revenue this year. “We’ve applied our restaurant work ethics and determination to the project and built it up with blood, sweat, and occasionally tears,” he says. “We are able to provide the products that guests on board are looking for, which in turn makes the galleys a happier place for the chefs to work—we love what we do.”

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10 of the most impressive superyachts owned by billionaires

From a sailing yacht owned by a russian billionaire industrialist to the luxury launch of the patek philippe ceo, here are the best billionaire-owned boats on the water….

Words: Jonathan Wells

There’s something about billionaires and big boats . Whether they’re superyachts or megayachts, men with money love to splash out on these sizeable sea-going giants. And that all began in 1954 — with the big dreams of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Onassis, keen to keep his luxury lifestyle afloat when at sea, bought Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont after World War II. He spent millions turning it into an opulent super yacht, named it after his daughter — and the Christina O kicked off a trend among tycoons. To this day, the world’s richest men remain locked in an arms race to build the biggest, fastest, most impressive superyacht of all. Here are 10 of our favourites…

Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich

Built by: Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, with interiors and exteriors designed by Terence Disdale. Launched in 2009, it cost $500 million (the equivalent of £623 million today).

Owned by: Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC and owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

Key features: 162.5 metres in length / 9 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / Two swimming pools / Disco hall / Mini submarine / 2 helicopter pads / 24 guest cabins

Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko

Built by: Nobiskrug, a shipyard on the Eider River in Germany. The original idea came from Jacques Garcia, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck and a reported price tag of over $400 million.

Owned by: Russian billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the main beneficiary of both the fertiliser producing EuroChem Group and the coal energy company SUEK. Though his current net worth is $18.7 billion, Sailing Yacht A was seized in Trieste on 12 March 2022 due to the EU’s sanctions on Russian businessmen.

Key features: 119 metres in length / 8 decks / Top speed of 21 knots / Freestanding carbon-fibre rotating masts / Underwater observation pod / 14 guests

Symphony, owned by Bernard Arnault

Built by: Feadship, the fabled shipyard headquartered in Haarlem in The Netherlands. With an exterior designed by Tim Heywood, it reportedly cost around $150 million to construct.

Owned by: French billionaire businessman and art collector Bernard Arnault. Chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, his current net worth is $145.8 billion.

Key features: 101.5 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool / Outdoor cinema / Sundeck Jacuzzi / 8 guest cabins

Faith, owned by Michael Latifi

Built by: Similarly to Symphony above, also Feadship. With exteriors designed by Beaulieu-based RWD, and interiors by Chahan Design, it cost a reported $200 million to construct in 2017.

Owned by: Until recently, Canadian billionaire and part-owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team , Lawrence Stroll. Recently sold to Michael Latifi, father of F1 star Nicholas , a fellow Canadian businessman with a net worth of just under $2 billion.

Key features: 97 metres in length / 9 guest cabins / Glass-bottom swimming pool — with bar / Bell 429 helicopter

Amevi, owned by Lakshmi Mittal

Built by: The Oceanco shipyard, also in The Netherlands. With exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and interior design by Alberto Pinto, it launched in 2007 (and cost around $125 million to construct).

Owned by: Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company. He owns 20% of Queen Park Rangers, and has a net worth of $18 billion.

Key features: 80 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 18.5 knots / On-deck Jacuzzi / Helipad / Swimming Pool / Tender Garage / 8 guest cabins

Odessa II, owned by Len Blavatnik

Built by: Nobiskrug, the same German shipyard that built Sailing Yacht A . Both interior and exterior were created by Focus Yacht Design, and the yacht was launched in 2013 with a cost of $80 million.

Owned by: British businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Founder of Access Industries — a multinational industrial group with current holdings in Warner Music Group, Spotify and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat — he is worth $39.9 billion.

Key features: 74 metres in length / 6 guest cabins / Top speed of 18 knots / Intimate beach club / Baby grand piano / Private master cabhin terrace / Outdoor cinema

Nautilus, owned by Thierry Stern

Built by: Italian shipyard Perini Navi in 2014. With interiors by Rémi Tessier and exterior design by Philippe Briand, Nautilus was estimated to cost around $90 million to construct.

Owned by: Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern. Alongside his Gulstream G650 private jet, Nautilus — named for the famous sports watch — is his most costly mode of transport. His current net worth is $3 billion.

Key features: 73 metres in length / 7 guest cabins / Top speed of 16.5 knots / Dedicated wellness deck / 3.5 metre resistance pool / Underfloor heating / Jet Skis

Silver Angel, owned by Richard Caring

Built by: Luxury Italian boatbuilder Benetti. Launched in 2009, the yacht’s interior has been designed by Argent Design and her exterior styling is by Stefano Natucci.

Owned by: Richard Caring, British businessman and multi-millionaire (his wealth peaked at £1.05 billion, so he still makes the cut). Chairman of Caprice Holdings, he owns The Ivy restaurants.

Key features: 64.5 metres in length / Cruising speed of 15 knots / 7 guest cabins / Lalique decor / 5 decks / Oval Jacuzzi pool / Sun deck bar / Aft deck dining table

Lady Beatrice, owned by Frederick Barclay

Built by: Feadship and Royal Van Lent in 1993. Exteriors were created by De Voogt Naval Architects, with interiors by Bannenberg Designs. She cost the equivalent of £63 million to build.

Owned by: Sir David Barclay and his late brother Sir Frederick. The ‘Barclay Brothers’ had joint business pursuits including The Spectator , The Telegraph and delivery company Yodel. Current net worth: £7 billion.

Key features: 60 metres in length / 18 knots maximum speed / Monaco home port / Named for the brothers’ mother, Beatrice Cecelia Taylor / 8 guest cabins

Space, owned by Laurence Graff

Built by: Space was the first in Feadship’s F45 Vantage series , styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and launched in 2007. She cost a reported $25 million to construct.

Owned by: Laurence Graff, English jeweller and billionaire businessman. As the founder of Graff Diamonds, he has a global business presence and a current net worth of $6.26 billion.

Key features: 45 metres in length / Top speed of 16 knots / Al fresco dining area / Sun deck Jacuzzi / Breakfast bar / Swimming platform / Steam room

Want more yachts? Here’s the handcradfted, homegrown history of Princess…

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Literal Pirates Stealing Ships in California in New Brazen Crime Wave

The pirates seen ransacking boats are taking advantage of slow response times from police..

A marina in Northern California is dealing with a very specific type of crime wave: pirates.

Locals with their boats docked at the Oakland Marina say the police have been little help as pirates steal from their vessels — and the boats themselves.

CBS News Bay Area reports that thieves stole a 40-foot Sea Ray yacht from the Embarcadero Cove Marina. Steven Young, the ship’s owner, says that he spotted his stolen yacht a few days later, with the pirates still on board.

Young tells CBS News that he immediately called the police but was told that without a police report, authorities couldn’t do anything. Police reportedly never showed and it wasn’t until the insurance company called them that the boat was recovered. Young says that by then, it was too late.

"What they did to the boat was just unbelievable," Young claims. "Normally, you'd expect them to take the dinghy and your liquor and stuff like that.  But they took the fishing poles. They took the fighting chairs; they took the barbecue pits. And everything they didn't take, they destroyed."

GPS equipment was also stolen, alongside bilge pumps and engine pumps. The outlet also reports that three handguns, complete with ammunition, were also taken from Young’s ship. The insurance company reportedly said that the boat was a total loss.

Young was not the only reported victim of pirates that week either. Two other large boats were stolen. Michael West, who lives aboard a ship docked in Oakland, told CBS News that the area has been turned into a “Wild West.”

“Someone in this marina had to defend themselves with guns against the pirates. And that's where it is right now," West said.  "Everybody here has a gun or knife or a sword or a stick or something, you know, to protect themselves."

The San Francisco Chronicle shared the story of Jonathan DeLong, who says he was sleeping in his sailboat at Oakland’s Jack London Square when he was awoken by some noises. Two pirates, a man and a woman, were reportedly attempting to board his vessel. DeLong says he chased the pirates away that night, but he has been growing frustrated and weary of the constant thievery attempts.

“We’ve all gotten to the point where we know there is going to be no response” from police, DeLong said, according to the Chronicle. “Piracy is the only way I can think of describing the situation.”

Others apparently agree. West told CBS News that "we don't even bother to call the police anymore,” and that “we're going to handle it ourselves."

Oakland reportedly only has one full-time officer who knows how to operate a boat and protect its waters, Officer Kaleo Albino.

"Fighting crime out here on the water is tough, as we only have one full-time marine officer, and that's myself," Albino told CBS News.  "But the city of Oakland Police Department, we tend to make things work with what we have, and I've been training approximately ten other maritime officers on how to operate the vessel. So, the vessel is available more hours than just myself being here."

Officer Albino told the San Francisco Chronicle that he’s observed thefts spiking in Oakland’s waters over the last six weeks and he has organized night patrols to help bring the crime wave to a heel, but he’s had to deal with limited staffing and the fact that the Bay Area is vast, making it "easy to hide.”

“[The pirates are] just taking advantage of our response times,” Albino said.

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B.A.L.M.Y. Interior & Exterior Photos

47.3m  /  155'2 | mengi-yay | 2022.

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10 Superyachts Owned By The British Elite In 2017

Though many of us associate Superyachts with Russian and Middle Eastern owners, it is actually a reported fact that Britain own the second largest share of the world’s Superyachts… We’ve put together a list of just some of the Superyachts owned by Britians elite, along with their owners.

1. The Hinduja family and Param Jamuna IV

Prakash Hinduja is one of the richest people in the world. Together with his brothers, he owns the Hinduja Group and has a net worth of $16.2 billion! Th e Hinduja family business gained it’s elite status through banking, telecom, energy, media and technologies. Param Jamuna IV is the name of one of their rumoured Superyachts. She’s a 48.31m motor yacht and was custom built in 2013 by Rossinavi in Viareggio, Italy. Her beautiful interior and exterior design were forefronted by Team 4 Design.

2. Kirsty & Ernesto Bertarelliand Vava II

These two are probably the UK’s power couple in when it comes to Superyachts owned by Britians elite. They have a net worth of $16.9 billion. Former Miss UK and songwriter Kirsty Bertarelli and Biotech tycoon turned Capital giant Ernesto Bertarelli are the proud owners of the 97m Superyacht Vava II.  It’s rumored to cost £250,000 to just fill the tanks of this beast!

3. Philip Green and Lionheart

Now, Sir Philip Green is the owner of the £100 million, 90m Benetti Superyacht named ‘Lionheart’. Despite his other yachts being available for charter, Lionhart remains off of the market.

4. Leonard Blavatnik and Odessa II

Despite his Russian/American origin, Blatnavik now resides in London. And with an estimated net worth of $18.5 billion, he is one of the city’s wealthiest elite residents. He is also an active philanthropist through his Blavatnik Family Foundation. Leonard Baltnavik is the owner of the Nobiskrug 37.8m Odessa II.

5. James “Jim” Ratcliffe and Hampshire II

Ratcliffe has made his living in the chemical industry and now boasts a net worth of $5.5 billion. Not only does he own the 78.5m Hampshire II, he also previously owned a 56m Feadship motor yacht, by the same name.

6. Joe Lewis and Aviva

Joe has a tidy net worth of $5.3 billion and runs the Tavistock group. The group have their fingers in many pies, including UK football club, Tottenham Hotspur. Joe Lewis is a man after our own heart who chooses to reside in Lyford Cay, Bahamas. He is  the owner of  the Abeking & Rasmussen, 98m Superyacht Aviva.

7. Richard Branson and Necker Belle

You may well have heard of Necker Island, and you will certainly have heard of Britain’s 9th richest man, Richard Branson. But have you heard of his Superyacht, Necker Belle? Necker Belle is one of the few elite luxury sailing catamarans in the world and has been dubbed as the “floating version” of Necker Island.

8. James Dyson and Nahlin

We all know how James Dyson made his fortune. But, just in case you don’t, let us tell you that if you’ve ever used a Dyson vacuum, you have a lot to thank him for! His 91m Superyacht Nahlin is a real thing of class. This is one of the largest classic yachts in the world.

9. The Barclay Brothers and Lady Beatrice

Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay are twin brothers who are most famous for owning the Telegraph Media Group. They also own stakes in the London Ritz hotel, and the beautiful 60m custom motor yacht, Superyacht Lady Beatrice – Which was named after their mother.

10. Charles Dunstone and Shemara

Last, but most certainly not least, we have Sir Charles Dunston and his Superyacht Shemara. The businessman is worth $2.1 billion, and his yacht has a kind of legendary history. It was rescued from turning into a rotting mess by Dunstone about five years ago and brought back to its former glory. Talking about its glory days, this yacht was notorious for holding some of the most scandalous political parties of the early 20th century.

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