Footage has emerged of the moment a $20 million luxury superyacht sank off the coast of Kefalonia Island in Greece earlier in the week.
The 47-meter yacht was spotted lurching to one side when sailing near Paliokaravo Bay, west of the Greek mainland. Five tourists and five crew members were successfully evacuated from the vessel as it ran aground in Evretis Bay where it then anchored.
According to reports, one of the crew members left a side door open allowing an influx of water when the weather in the area “turned”.
The crew did not notice the open door until it was too late and the vessel, called Ethos, had started sinking.
Safety systems were activated effectively and the crew of Ethos – which was flying the flag of Malta – disembarked without any injury.
A private boat at the scene helped to tug the yacht as two harbor guards oversaw the operation, with a professional diver expected to inspect the underside of the boat.
Sinking superyacht was built in 2014
Earlier this year the boat underwent renovation after being purchased for $16 million by its new owner, who received the yacht in September last year.
Ethos was built in 2014 by Admiral and could host up to 12 guests and nine crew members onboard its steel and aluminum structure.
Renters could enjoy stays with a gym, jacuzzi, steam room and jetskis onboard the yacht – but would have to fork out $230,000 to do so for a week.
The upper deck boasted a master suite, a vast dining area, Turkish bath and a Sauter piano.
Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, she comfortably cruised at 14 knots, and reached a maximum speed of 16 knots with a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles from her 77,900-litre fuel tanks at 12 knots.
An advanced stabilization system on board reduced the side-to-side roll of the yacht and promised guests exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway.
Maritime mishaps in Greece
The sinking of the Ethos is just one of several maritime mishaps to have unfolded in waters off Greece in recent years.
Five British tourists had to be rescued from their burning 21ft motor boat off the coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos last August after it erupted into flames.
Only two months prior, holidaymakers had to be rescued from a burning boat after it went up in flames off the island of Rhodes.
Passengers told of how they were forced to make the plunge into the water below as the entire wooden deck started to catch fire where they were standing.
The Greek Coast Guard said all 82 passengers were eventually taken to land.
