Billionaire’s superyacht sinks tanker in Bahamas
A US billionaire’s superyacht struck a gas tanker off the coast of the Bahamas on Christmas Eve, causing the tanker to sink.
Maritime Management LLC, who owns the tanker, reports that its 160ft tanker Tropic Breeze was struck by superyacht Utopia IV and sunk off the coast of New Providence Island, Bahamas on 24 December. The incident happened around 10pm approximately 15 miles NNW of New Providence Island.
According to the report from Maritime Management, the 160ft tanker was travelling en route to Great Stirrup Cay when it was rear-ended by the 207ft superyacht. Utopia IV is owned by billionaire JR Ridinger.
All seven crew were safely rescued from the tanker
Maritime Management confirmed to local Caribbean National Weekly: “The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet.”
Fortunately, the crew of the Tropic Breeze were uninjured and were rescued by superyacht Amara who responded to the tanker’s distress call and rescued all seven crew members on board the sinking tanker.
The tanker’s cargo included all non-persistent materials – LPG, marine gas and automotive gas – all of which are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air.
Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged.
Relevant Bahamian authorities have been notified and Maritime Management continues to work with local and international maritime authorities and marine experts to ensure minimal environmental impact.
