A $9.1 million luxury yacht sank in the Mediterranean Sea just days after being delivered to its new owner.
Why it matters: The sinking of the Angiola II raises concerns about yacht safety and maintenance just after delivery, highlighting potential industry vulnerabilities.
The 98-foot yacht sank off Porto Cervo, Sardinia, on August 11, 2026, after experiencing engine failure that sparked a fire.
Fourteen guests and crew were aboard when the incident occurred; miraculously, no injuries were reported.
The yacht was delivered to its Italian owner only four days prior to the sinking.
Driving the news: The Angiola II began taking on water after a fire damaged seals in the engine room, leading to a loss of buoyancy.
The fire reportedly erupted due to an engine malfunction, which allowed water to enter the vessel.
Video footage captured the moment the yacht tipped onto its side and slowly submerged beneath the waves.
Rescue operations were swift, with most passengers evacuated by nearby vessels.
State of play: The yacht now rests at a depth of approximately 23 feet, lying on its side.
Italian authorities are monitoring the site and have placed containment booms around the wreck to prevent environmental damage.
No fuel leaks have been detected, easing immediate environmental concerns.
A specialized recovery company is set to deploy a 200-ton pontoon to retrieve the sunken vessel.
The big picture: The Angiola II was built by Permare in 2020 and was the sixth hull in the Amer F100 series.
It features accommodations for up to 10 guests in five cabins and can host five crew members.
The vessel is powered by four engines capable of reaching speeds up to 28 knots.
Prior to delivery, the yacht underwent refurbishments, raising questions about the thoroughness of pre-delivery inspections.
What they're saying: Amer Yachts' co-CEO Barbara Amerio expressed relief that all passengers and crew were safe.
"We are following the situation closely. We are relieved that passengers and crew are safe," Amerio said.
The exact cause of the engine failure remains under investigation by the Italian Coast Guard.
Local reports indicate that the yacht had changed ownership multiple times before the recent sale.
By the numbers: Key details surrounding the Angiola II incident include:
4 days: Time elapsed from delivery to sinking.
14: Number of people aboard at the time of the incident.
23 feet: Depth at which the yacht currently rests.
$9.1 million: Estimated value of the Angiola II.
What's next: Investigations into the cause of the engine failure and subsequent fire are underway.
The yacht will remain under surveillance until recovery efforts commence.
Authorities are preparing for the challenging task of lifting the vessel from the seabed, ensuring no environmental harm occurs.
Updates are expected as investigations progress and recovery plans are finalized.