The 29.6-metre Amer motor yacht Angiola has sunk off the coast of Capo Ferro, on the Italian island of Sardinia.
According to local reports, the yacht began taking on water on the evening of 11 August, after a fire broke out in the engine room, allegedly due to engine failure.
The flames were reportedly extinguished, with all 14 passengers on board – comprising guests and crew – safely transferred to nearby vessels without injury.
The La Maddalena Coast Guard attended the scene, where the yacht was found lying on her side and already partially submerged. Containment booms have subsequently been placed around the yacht, although local reports claim that no fuel leaks have been detected at this time.
The hull is currently being monitored as it waits for a specialised company to bring it ashore. Investigations to determine the cause of the engine failure are currently underway.
Speaking to BOAT International, Amer Yachts' co-CEO, Barbara Amerio, said: "We are following the situation closely. At present, we know no more than what has already been reported. Like everyone else, we are awaiting official findings. We are relieved that passengers and crew are safe."
"We launched the boat in 2020. It has since changed ownership three times: we handled the second sale ourselves, while the third took place through external brokers, without our involvement. Other shipyards have carried out major refit and repair works on it since then. Some reports have described it as newly launched - this is definitely not correct."
Angiola was delivered by Italian shipyard Amer Yachts as the sixth F100 model - previously known as the Cento Quad series. Her interiors were credited to Stefano Tini, with onboard features including accommodation for up to 10 guests in five cabins, a spacious flybridge with al fresco dining and a large sunpad on the foredeck. According to BOATPro, she was recently on the market, asking €4,800,000.
BOAT International will update the story as it develops.