A safety report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed the probable cause behind the sinking of the 37.8-metre motor yacht Lovebug, which happened in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, last year (27 July 2024).
During diving operations, salvors found that Lovebug's external garage door, as well as the watertight door between the garage and engine room compartment, were partially open, resulting in "minor flooding" that gradually reduced the yacht's stability until she was unable to resist severe heeling.
"This would have [eventually] resulted in a sudden, large list and further flooding, until Lovebug reached equilibrium at a list of 45 to 50 degrees and then partially sank in the mud," read the report.
The NTSB also noted that she sank in only 3.7 metres of water, with damages estimated at a staggering $8 million.
A potential exacerbating factor was the delays to her salvage. The yacht's recovery operations were slated to begin on 13 August but were ultimately postponed as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, which brought strong winds and tides to the area. She was successfully recovered in September, nearly two months after her sinking.
According to BOATPro, Lovebug was bound for Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, when the incident occurred.
A statement released by the US Coast Guard shortly after the sinking assured that "there [were] no reports of pollution". This has been reaffirmed by the newly released NTSB report, which claims that the "oil sheen visible around the vessel" was successfully contained with a boom.
Built in 2010 under the name Anastasia M, Lovebug was designed inside and out by Italian studio Francesco Paszkowski Design. The superyacht has changed hands several times and was most recently sold in 2021 at a last known asking price of $7,995,000. She was also a regular on the yacht charter circuit.
Top features of the yacht include a sundeck that comes with a small swimming pool, bar and sunpads. Accommodation is for 11 guests and seven crew.