Striking footage shows the $8 million superyacht — which docks at the Annapolis Yacht Club and costs $125,000 to charter per week — sinking on its side in a heavily traveled area near the mouth of the West River. Trevor Hardman was in a boat nearby when he realized folks onboard were up a creek.
A dramatic incident unfolded on Saturday when a luxury yacht worth approximately $8 million capsized near Annapolis, Maryland. The 122-foot yacht, known as the “Lovebug “, was sailing on the Rhode River when it suddenly listed heavily to starboard, forcing the crew to abandon ship.
The Incident
Striking footage shows the yacht sinking on its side in a heavily traveled area near the mouth of the West River. Trevor Hardman, who was in a nearby boat, witnessed the incident and realized that the people onboard were in distress. “It slowly started to list and lean over to one side,” Hardman said. “I would say within four to five minutes the boat was consumed and the captain had made the determination that they needed to abandon ship.”
The Yacht
The “Lovebug” is an Italian-built yacht, valued at around $8 million. It has a capacity for 11 guests and 8 crew members, and features luxurious amenities such as a jet ski garage and zero-speed stabilizers. The yacht was available for charter at a rate of $125,000 per week, making it a popular choice among those looking for a luxurious sailing experience.
The Rescue Efforts
Hardman, who owns Tour Boat Annapolis, was among the first responders to the incident. He reported that the crew had to abandon ship after the yacht started taking on water, and the captain headed to shallow water before abandoning ship. The rescue efforts were successful, with all survivors being pulled to safety.
Eyewitness Account
Hardman described the scene as chaotic. “I was like, ‘Did you run aground?’ He was like, ‘No … We were taking on water,'” Hardman said, recalling his conversation with the captain after the rescue. “Boats of that size have alarms that tell you when there’s water inside the boat.”
Investigation
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, but it is believed that the yacht may have experienced a mechanical failure or taken on water due to a leak. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Response from Authorities
Cpl. Christopher Neville of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police stated that the biggest priority now is to salvage the vessel and determine the cause of the incident. “Once everybody was secured, it was just a matter of placing the safety protocols around the boat to keep out contaminants and trying to follow up with the captain and owner of the vessel,” he said.
Conclusion
The capsizing of the luxury yacht “Lovebug” near Annapolis, Maryland, is a reminder of the importance of safety at sea. Fortunately, the quick response of the rescue team ensured that all survivors were in good health. The incident serves as a reminder to always be prepared for emergencies and to take necessary precautions when sailing.