VIDEO: 007 superyacht sinks in Greece

In what feels like a never-ending run of disaster stories this year, a 49m superyacht – known as 007 – has capsized and is now semi-submerged in Greece, 15m off shore, awaiting recovery (2 Sept 2022).

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, five passengers were rescued. No one was hurt. The incident took place at Kolona Bay, Kythnos.

Media reports suggest that the superyacht ran aground on Friday evening, causing an inflow of water that gradually tilted the vessel.

The coast guard answered mayday calls and found the vessel in a semi-submerged state.

According to Cyclades24, there was failure in the GPS and the boat ran aground in the shallows, a breach was created and there was a large inflow of water causing 007 to lean on its side into the sea. This has yet to be confirmed.

An alternative report from eSysman suggests the captain deliberately tried to ground the vessel to stop it from sinking after it hit the rocks.

The Greek media outlet also says no marine pollution was caused and procedures for removal have already started. A towing company has arrived in Kythnos and is considering how to tow the ultra-luxury boat.

007 was launched as Amazon A by the Turkish shipyard Aegean Yacht in 2006. She was originally 32m long but has since been modified extensively to 49m.

“Shaken, stirred or on the rocks Mr. Bond?” asks one commentator.

Earlier in August, MIN reported on the sinking of a 39m yacht in Italy, and prior to that the 26m Kapky sank off the Turkish coast. A 49m schooner also sank in June after being hit by a supply vessel in a Spanish port.

An investigation into the superyacht sinking in Greece has begun.