who owns the world's biggest superyacht

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As Far As You Can Sea: World’s Largest Superyachts

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Updated on May 22, 2024

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With onboard swimming pools, cinemas, helicopter landing pads, and spas, the world’s largest superyachts have more facilities than your ‘average’ five-star hotel.

Owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people—along with a few anonymous owners who’d prefer to keep their luxury transport a secret—these mega yachts redefine the word “boat” into something indescribably sleek, stylish, and seriously impressive. 

If superyachts are your thing, you’ll want to read on for all the facts and figures on all of the largest yachts in the world.

The 26 largest yachts in the world

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts: Our ranking methodology

A superyacht or mega yacht is typically a motor yacht or sailing yacht with a length of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. For this ranking, we looked at the superyachts and luxury expedition mega yachts that are used privately or made available for charter. We excluded so-called ‘residential superyachts’ (think Njord and The World), which are essentially luxury apartment buildings at sea where people own private residences inside the superyacht rather than the whole yacht. By researching diverse, reliable sources like Wikipedia and the Superyacht Times, we compile a list of the largest yachts in the world.

Curious about other striking superlatives? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the most expensive private jets in the world . They are both perfectly good alternatives to owning a yacht. And if you prefer to stay home, we’ve ranked the biggest homes and the most expensive houses in the world to give you some inspiration too.

26. Y721 (aka Koru) | 417 feet—127m

Ever wonder where Jeff Bezos spends his downtime? As of today, we’re predicting it to be on his $500 million superyacht. Y721—nicknamed Koru—is 127m long. And featuring three sky-high slender masts, Koru is said to be the largest sailing yacht in the world . 

With dark exteriors and natural wooden decks, Koru is inspired by another one of Bezos’ yachts—the Black Pearl. The clean lines and classically curved bow speak to an understated elegance despite the yacht’s mammoth size. While a long line of portals indicates at least 9 guest cabins. In light of all the secrecy surrounding Koru, we doubt Bezos will ever charter her out, but we can still dream.

25. Al Mirqab | 436 feet—133m

Adorned with cascading chandeliers and gold accents, Al Mirqab is renowned for its unrivaled interiors. Surrounded by suspended glass artworks, a grand staircase floats throughout the four floors. And inspired by authentic Arabian styles, the magnificent superyacht is reminiscent of a magic carpet ride through the seas . 

Built for the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Peterswerft-Kusch spared no expense in delivering Al Mirqab to an impossibly high standard for luxury. The large swimming pool is a standout feature as it opens up into the sea, creating the ultimate playground for adults. Al Mirqab has a capacity for up to 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew. Although you have to be invited by the politician himself as Al Mirqab isn’t available for private charter.

24. Serene | 439 feet—134m

Adeptly named, the magnificent superyacht embodies the serenity of a life at sea. Serene was built in Italy for a Russian owner in 2011. She was leased to Bill Gates for the Summer in 2014 for $5 million per week. 

Designed by Reymond Langton, the 134m mega yacht marries elegant sophistication with state-of-the-art technologies. The seven decks leave ample space for guests to soak in scintillating views. While the underwater viewing room—nicknamed the Nemo room—is a permanent gallery of resplendent sealife. The real-life snow room makes up to four inches of snow. And whilst this may seem odd when your billionaire boss asks for snow—you make it snow.

23. Crescent | 445 feet – 136 m

Yet another Lurssen masterpiece, Crescent pays homage to classic naval designs with traditional architecture and elegant interiors. Formerly named Project Thunder, she was built in Germany and delivered to Igor Sechin in 2018. The Russian oligarch’s superyacht was seized by Spain after sanctions were placed on Russia in 2022. 

Crescent features low bulwarks and full-height windows to maximize the view from the center of the boat. Her distinctive wing station provides unrivaled views for up to 18 guests. But don’t get your hopes up—Crescent is strictly for private use only and isn’t available for charter. 

22. Savarona | 446 feet – 136m

Savarona is the second-largest yacht built by Blohm & Voss and spends most of her time in the Mediterranean. This luxury superyacht is one of the oldest in the market — a perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern facilities. 

Previously named Gunes Dil, Savarona was designed by Cox & Stevens, with interior design carefully handled by Donald Starkey. She’s available to charter on a weekly basis and has been refurbished over the years. Back in the day, her cost price was $4 million, and in 1989, she was chartered by Kahraman Sadikoglu, owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group, who spent an estimated $50 million on refurbishing her from top to bottom.

21. Flying Fox | 446 feet – 136m

Flying Fox is known as the most expensive charter yacht in the world , and a week aboard will set you back around $3 million. Chartered by the one and only power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2021, it’s filled to the brim with all of the luxury facilities you could ever possibly want. 

The Flying Fox is rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos, although that’s a claim that’s never been totally certified. She spends most of her time in the Mediterranean, specifically Cannes, Capri, and Sardinia, although she’s recently visited Norway, too. She can accommodate the largest helicopters on the market, and it reportedly took more than 50 meetings with her owner for interior design to be completed.

20. Rising Sun | 454 feet – 138m

The Rising Sun’s original owner, Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation, sold her in 2010 as he considered her too large. Famously used by David Geffen for self-isolation, Rising Sun has also been a popular hang-out spot for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beatrice, the Princess of York. 

She’s a Superyacht with impressive attention to detail like interiors kitted out in teak and onyx and endless features like a full gym, a large wine cellar, a sauna, and a spa. She’s got a full-size basketball court that doubles up as a helicopter landing pad and a private cinema for those long evenings spent at sea.

19. Al Salamah | 457 feet – 139m

Al Salamah is part of the Omani Royal fleet and started her very secretive life in Genoa. Known as the world’s biggest superyacht right up until 2016, she’s a sleek masterpiece of a ship, with a distinctive cream color and beach club design. 

Al Salamah does everything in multiples, from the five galleys onboard (the main galley, a bakery, a crew galley, an owner’s diet galley, and an Arab galley), three hospitals (one for the owner, one for guests, and one for the crew) and 2,000 sqm of floor space. She was put on sale briefly for $280 million USD, before being delisted and instead given as a gift to the Crown Prince of Bahrain. 

18. Solaris | 458 feet – 139m

Everything about Solaris was supposed to be kept a secret when she was being built—a secret that didn’t last long when her huge size was spotted undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. One of this Superyacht’s main attractions is her beach club on the top floor: the perfect spot for relaxation during those long days out at sea. 

That beach club comes complemented with endless other stylish amenities, like a large helipad, sun deck, and a crane to launch tenders, toys, and subs. Interior design is largely unknown, but, if it’s anything as sleek and white as its exteriors, it’s sure to be impressive.

17. Scheherazade | 459 feet – 140m

Two helicopter landing pads, two outdoor Jacuzzis, and two outdoor fire pits: Scheherazade doesn’t hold back with not only the essentials but also the luxuries. Previously named Lightning, “Scheherazade” is mostly associated with a female character in the Middle Eastern folk tales in the series One Thousand and One Nights. 

Not much is known about this superyacht, and even her birth and building process were referred to under a codename: Project Lightning. No one involved in her creation, even Lurssen, has revealed anything about her interiors or her owner. All that’s really known is that she sailed from Germany to Norway initially after completion. 

16. Ocean Victory | 460 feet – 140m

Ocean Victory has traveled all over the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia and back again. Owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, she’s the upgraded vessel to follow his purchase of the 76-meter Ebony Shine. 

She’s one designed with pure luxury in mind, from the six individual swimming pools onboard to the 300-square meter spa area. She’s beautiful both inside and out, with a unique concept designed by Espen Oeino and interior designer Alberto Pinto. The largest superyacht ever built in Italy, Ocean Victory shows some of the finest in the world when it comes to premium quality adventures at sea.

15. Yas | 463 feet – 141m

Yas is known best for its seamless and rather unusual design — one that’s a little different from most superyachts out there. The owner of Yas wanted a yacht that lived up to his own heritage; one with a backbone reminiscent of the navy and with abstract lines throughout. 

He chose an existing boat in Abu Dhabi, which was deconstructed within the region before being shipped off and renovated into the wonder that it is today. The Yas yacht was originally a Dutch navy frigate, which you’d never guess from strolling around onboard today.

14. Nord | 465 feet – 142m

Nord’s distinctive bow design has never been seen before on a yacht. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice about her. The next thing you’ll notice is her unusual design, which verges on battle-esque and has been called “ a warship wearing a tuxedo ” by Dan Lenard of the Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard. 

She’s one of the best superyachts out there for fun, with a sports and diving center on the lower deck, a swimming pool higher up, overlooking the ocean, and a fleet of tenders. She was designed for global exploration: a yacht that will calmly cruise her way all across the world.

13. Sailing Yacht A | 469 feet—142.8m

Challenging the status quo and pushing design boundaries, Sailing Yacht A is an enigma. The sail-assisted superyacht was built in Germany and delivered to Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko in 2017. However, she was seized by the Italian police force, Guardia di Finanza, in 2022 after sanctions were placed on Russian businessmen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Distinguished by soaring rotating carbon fiber masts, Nobiskrug’s hybrid approach to superyachts makes Sailing Yacht A more eco-conscious than other luxury yachts of her size. The u nderwater viewing pod molded into the keel speaks to her unrivaled innovation. And many balconies are enclosed by some of the largest pieces of curved glass ever made. 

12. El Mahrousa | 478 feet – 146m

El Mahrousa had a few different names in her time, ranging from the translated “The Protected” to El Horreya, which in Arabic translates to “Freedom.” It’s not surprising that she’s had more than one name when you take into account her age. As the oldest superyacht in the world, she’s undergone a lot of restoration over time, including multiple lengthenings and faster engines. 

She was renamed back to El Mahrousa in 2000 and gained even more recognition for being the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal extension in 2015. Back in her original days, she was built on the River Thames and took her first trip in 1867.

11. OK | 479 feet—146m

Delivered in Japan in 1982, OK is one of the largest and most unique superyachts in the world. Sprawling over 479 feet, the water giant is engineered to submerge almost seventy percent. This is accredited to the work done by Karmarine Shipyard. While the majority of the vessel was built by Oshima Shipping, it was privately converted to a semi-submersible yacht in Turkey. 

The superlative finishing on OK superyacht was designed by Timur Bozca, winner of the Younger Designer of the Year award in 2015. The blueprint being as many games as possible. The extraordinary vessel has the uncanny ability to hold over seventy toys, including a sailing yacht, a sea plane, tenders, buggies and even a tennis court.

10. Opera | 480 feet—146.4m 

Like many of the most majestic water titans, Opera was delivered by Lurssen in Germany and built for Abu Dhabi royalty. This time, the owner is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. And while it may not be quite as astronomical as Lurssen’s previous builds—Azzam, Blue and Dilbar—the streamlined vessel is equally impressive onboard. 

The three-story superyacht proves large enough for a pair of helipads and two swimming pools, amongst many other toys, while simultaneously making room for up to 48 guests and 80 crew members. When it comes to the interior, details are sparse, but we do know that it was designed by Terence Disdale, a London firm renowned for creating bespoke luxury spaces. 

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet – 147m

The Prince Abdulaziz’s yacht was ordered by King Fahd, who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz. Now, she’s owned by his brother, Abdullah. Just one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family, she’s spotted frequently throughout Europe, especially in Cannes, where the royal family owns a property. 

She’s been redecorated once — in 2007 — in a project that took 15 months to complete, without even taking into account the rest of the ship’s upkeep. The Prince Abdulaziz is known for its combination of bold colors and fusion of traditional and modern design, thanks to its influence from the late David Hicks.

8. A+ | 483 feet – 147m

What do you do when the name “A” is already taken for your superyacht? Choose the next closest thing: A+. Previously named Topaz, this superyacht was the world’s fourth-largest luxury yacht when she was built, before being stripped of that particular title only a few years later. 

Nevertheless, she’s a seriously impressive superyacht, with endless facilities like a large jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool with a swimming platform and underwater lights, as well as a fitness hall, cinema, and a large conference room. She’s also well equipped with water toys, like jet skis, inflatable boats, a catamaran, and even a mini-submarine.

7. Al Said | 508 feet – 155m

Another Superyacht built, shrouded in secrecy, Al-Said was referred to as “Project Sunflower” the entire time she was being created, right up until she was delivered to her owner in 2008. Not much is known about Al Said, from her movements through to her amenities — although she is known to have a huge concert room with space for a full 50-person orchestra. 

Currently, she’s flying the flag of Oman and has spent a lot of time in its surrounding waters. Her interior was styled by British designer design house RWD, with exterior design being credited to Espen Oeino. When she was delivered to the Sultan of Oman, she replaced a previous ship of a smaller size. 

6. Dilbar | 511 feet – 156m

Dilbar, or Project Omar, as it was originally known as, is another superyacht designed with the help of exterior expert Espen Oeino, but with interiors strikingly designed by Andrew Winch. Dilbar is famously known as the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage (interior volume) but as the fifth-longest superyacht in the world. 

She’s home to a spa pool and beach club, as well as a large private cinema, spacious cabins set high on the main deck, a spacious dining room, and a salon with its own piano. She’s just as classy and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

5. Blue | 527 feet—160.6m

Sunday blues simply cease to exist on one of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. The elegant behemoth was built for member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and billionaire, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Valued at over $600 million, Blue is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. And with a strong emphasis on the environment, this superyacht is also one of the most sustainable. 

Blue strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. She is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. And the wastewater treatment plant allows water to be disposed of in drinking water quality.

4. Dubai | 531 feet – 162m

Dubai had multiple names in the planning stages—including Panhandle, Platinum, and Golden Star. Owned by the ruler of Dubai, it was aptly named after its home country and comes with all of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from such a name. 

The Dubai comes complete with a huge swimming pool and two jacuzzis. Further down, you’ll find a large dining room with striking blue and burgundy decor and space for up to 90 guests. Dubai usually spends her time moored at Sheikh Mohammed’s private island in front of his summer palace in Dubai. She’s basically the definition of a floating palace.

3. Eclipse | 533 feet – 162.5m

It took around five years for Eclipse to be built from start to finish. While she was always designed to be a huge, luxurious Superyacht, the focus was more on decking it out appropriately rather than breaking any records. An award-winning superyacht, she’s incredibly spacious, with endless rooms to explore and a sleek, neutral color palette running through. 

The Eclipse’s owner, Roman Abramovich, was more focused on facilities: he wanted more than one helicopter pad and a large swimming pool, too. Other than that, designer Terry Disdale had free reign for the rest of the superyacht. It’s just as much a clean piece of architectural styling as it is a stunning experience on deck.

2. Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet – 164m

Fulk Al Salamah translates to “Ship of Peace” and that’s something that sounds like a given when you’ve taken a look at this superyacht’s incredible layout. Developed under the codename Project Saffron, Fulk Al Salamah is more of a support vessel than she is a typical superyacht. 

While she might still come complete with all of the necessities for a particularly relaxing voyage, she’s more so known for being a transport ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. She’s also used as a sort of friendship boat — pun intended — and is often sailed across the world with the intention of strengthening ties with the Sultanate. In some ports, influential people are welcomed onboard.

1. Azzam | 590 feet – 181m

Most superyachts in the top 10 category have a few mere inches between sizes, but the Azzam shoots far ahead with a large amount of extra length. The largest superyacht in the world, she was never designed to win the title — rather just to be a sleek and elegant vessel. Azzam was crafted backward, with the plans for her interior confirmed long before her exterior was fully signed off. 

Her length only came to be as such to incorporate everything required for the interiors, which added an extra 35 meters to her overall size. She’s also designed to look smaller than she actually is, with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. It took more than 4,000 people to build Azzam , clocking up six million man-hours over a period of four years.

The largest yachts in the world: Conclusion

The largest yachts in the world are:

• Azzam—590 feet
• Fulk Al Salamah—538 feet
• Eclipse—533 feet
• Dubai—531 feet
• Blue—527 feet
• Dilbar—511 feet
• Al Said —508 feet
• A+—483 feet
• Prince Abdulaziz—482 feet
• Opera—480 feet
• OK—479 feet
• El Mahrousa—478 feet
• Sailing Yacht A—469 feet
• Nord—465 feet
• Yas—463 feet
• Ocean Victory—460 feet
• Scheherazade —459 feet
• Solaris—458 feet
• Al Salamah—457 feet
• Rising Sun—454 feet
• Flying Fox—446 feet
• Savarona—446 feet
• Crescent—445 feet
• Serene —439 feet
• Al Mirqab—436 feet
• Y721 (aka Koru)—417 feet

The most expensive yacht in the world

The fact that the History Supreme, the world’s most expensive superyacht, comes coated in gold, is only part of the reason for its high cost. A superyacht with a real-life Midas touch, it was sold to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for $4.8 billion. 

Robert Kuok, the richest Malaysian businessman, is the rumored owner of History Supreme, but no one has confirmed for sure. The History Supreme also comes with plenty of other impressive touches: a master bedroom decked out in platinum, a wall feature made from meteoric stone, and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone, to add to the list. 

She took three years to build from scratch and comes with 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum. Other seriously luxe features are her 68 kilograms 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond . The base of the vessel comes wrapped in gold, too.

Frequently asked questions about the world’s largest yachts

The largest yachts in the world are owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Alisher Usmanov. Our guide tells you more about all the biggest yachts in the world .

At 417 feet (127 m), Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht, Koru (formerly Project Y721), is one of the world’s largest yachts.

The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world’s longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world .

The biggest yacht in the world is the Azzam , which has an estimated cost of $600 million. She’s owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is not currently for sale.

In terms of the number of megayachts, the largest superyacht-owning country is the United States. Nationality-wise, beyond American, an increasing percentage of superyacht owners are Turkish, Greek, Emirati, German, Australian and Dutch.

About the author

Emma Treagus

Women’s fashion & travel editor.

A former fashion assistant and budding entrepreneur who calls the world her home, Emma writes many of Luxe Digital’s women’s style and travel stories, drawing on her passion and experience for slow fashion alongside an appreciation for current trends. When she’s not getting her way with words, you’ll find her exploring a new city (at quite a walking pace)—locating the nearest sushi restaurant or devouring a book on the beach.

Learn more about Emma Treagus

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• Striking superlatives

10 of the most impressive superyachts owned by billionaires

From a sailing yacht owned by a russian billionaire industrialist to the luxury launch of the patek philippe ceo, here are the best billionaire-owned boats on the water….

Words: Jonathan Wells

There’s something about billionaires and big boats . Whether they’re superyachts or megayachts, men with money love to splash out on these sizeable sea-going giants. And that all began in 1954 — with the big dreams of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Onassis, keen to keep his luxury lifestyle afloat when at sea, bought Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont after World War II. He spent millions turning it into an opulent super yacht, named it after his daughter — and the Christina O kicked off a trend among tycoons. To this day, the world’s richest men remain locked in an arms race to build the biggest, fastest, most impressive superyacht of all. Here are 10 of our favourites…

Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich

Built by: Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, with interiors and exteriors designed by Terence Disdale. Launched in 2009, it cost $500 million (the equivalent of £623 million today).

Owned by: Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC and owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

Key features: 162.5 metres in length / 9 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / Two swimming pools / Disco hall / Mini submarine / 2 helicopter pads / 24 guest cabins

Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko

Built by: Nobiskrug, a shipyard on the Eider River in Germany. The original idea came from Jacques Garcia, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck and a reported price tag of over $400 million.

Owned by: Russian billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the main beneficiary of both the fertiliser producing EuroChem Group and the coal energy company SUEK. Though his current net worth is $18.7 billion, Sailing Yacht A was seized in Trieste on 12 March 2022 due to the EU’s sanctions on Russian businessmen.

Key features: 119 metres in length / 8 decks / Top speed of 21 knots / Freestanding carbon-fibre rotating masts / Underwater observation pod / 14 guests

Symphony, owned by Bernard Arnault

Built by: Feadship, the fabled shipyard headquartered in Haarlem in The Netherlands. With an exterior designed by Tim Heywood, it reportedly cost around $150 million to construct.

Owned by: French billionaire businessman and art collector Bernard Arnault. Chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, his current net worth is $145.8 billion.

Key features: 101.5 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool / Outdoor cinema / Sundeck Jacuzzi / 8 guest cabins

Faith, owned by Michael Latifi

Built by: Similarly to Symphony above, also Feadship. With exteriors designed by Beaulieu-based RWD, and interiors by Chahan Design, it cost a reported $200 million to construct in 2017.

Owned by: Until recently, Canadian billionaire and part-owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team , Lawrence Stroll. Recently sold to Michael Latifi, father of F1 star Nicholas , a fellow Canadian businessman with a net worth of just under $2 billion.

Key features: 97 metres in length / 9 guest cabins / Glass-bottom swimming pool — with bar / Bell 429 helicopter

Amevi, owned by Lakshmi Mittal

Built by: The Oceanco shipyard, also in The Netherlands. With exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and interior design by Alberto Pinto, it launched in 2007 (and cost around $125 million to construct).

Owned by: Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company. He owns 20% of Queen Park Rangers, and has a net worth of $18 billion.

Key features: 80 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 18.5 knots / On-deck Jacuzzi / Helipad / Swimming Pool / Tender Garage / 8 guest cabins

Odessa II, owned by Len Blavatnik

Built by: Nobiskrug, the same German shipyard that built Sailing Yacht A . Both interior and exterior were created by Focus Yacht Design, and the yacht was launched in 2013 with a cost of $80 million.

Owned by: British businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Founder of Access Industries — a multinational industrial group with current holdings in Warner Music Group, Spotify and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat — he is worth $39.9 billion.

Key features: 74 metres in length / 6 guest cabins / Top speed of 18 knots / Intimate beach club / Baby grand piano / Private master cabhin terrace / Outdoor cinema

Nautilus, owned by Thierry Stern

Built by: Italian shipyard Perini Navi in 2014. With interiors by Rémi Tessier and exterior design by Philippe Briand, Nautilus was estimated to cost around $90 million to construct.

Owned by: Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern. Alongside his Gulstream G650 private jet, Nautilus — named for the famous sports watch — is his most costly mode of transport. His current net worth is $3 billion.

Key features: 73 metres in length / 7 guest cabins / Top speed of 16.5 knots / Dedicated wellness deck / 3.5 metre resistance pool / Underfloor heating / Jet Skis

Silver Angel, owned by Richard Caring

Built by: Luxury Italian boatbuilder Benetti. Launched in 2009, the yacht’s interior has been designed by Argent Design and her exterior styling is by Stefano Natucci.

Owned by: Richard Caring, British businessman and multi-millionaire (his wealth peaked at £1.05 billion, so he still makes the cut). Chairman of Caprice Holdings, he owns The Ivy restaurants.

Key features: 64.5 metres in length / Cruising speed of 15 knots / 7 guest cabins / Lalique decor / 5 decks / Oval Jacuzzi pool / Sun deck bar / Aft deck dining table

Lady Beatrice, owned by Frederick Barclay

Built by: Feadship and Royal Van Lent in 1993. Exteriors were created by De Voogt Naval Architects, with interiors by Bannenberg Designs. She cost the equivalent of £63 million to build.

Owned by: Sir David Barclay and his late brother Sir Frederick. The ‘Barclay Brothers’ had joint business pursuits including The Spectator , The Telegraph and delivery company Yodel. Current net worth: £7 billion.

Key features: 60 metres in length / 18 knots maximum speed / Monaco home port / Named for the brothers’ mother, Beatrice Cecelia Taylor / 8 guest cabins

Space, owned by Laurence Graff

Built by: Space was the first in Feadship’s F45 Vantage series , styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and launched in 2007. She cost a reported $25 million to construct.

Owned by: Laurence Graff, English jeweller and billionaire businessman. As the founder of Graff Diamonds, he has a global business presence and a current net worth of $6.26 billion.

Key features: 45 metres in length / Top speed of 16 knots / Al fresco dining area / Sun deck Jacuzzi / Breakfast bar / Swimming platform / Steam room

Want more yachts? Here’s the handcradfted, homegrown history of Princess…

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Boat of the Week: Inside ‘Galactica,’ the World’s Largest All-Aluminum Superyacht

Heesen's behemoth has a high-tech "backbone" running its length to provide enough rigidity for the boat to reach a blistering 30 knots., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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What has an aluminum-plate backbone, more than one head, and runs faster than Usain Bolt? Heesen ’s superyacht Galactica— or “Project Cosmos,” as it was formerly called by the yard. The largest boat built by the Dutch shipyard to date is getting ready for its spring debutante ball. Fast, sporty and 262 feet long, the owner refers to Galactica as his “ultimate superyacht.”

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Hundreds of yachts around the world are larger than Galactica . None of them are built entirely out of aluminum. For the owner who likes to make a statement with his custom new builds, Galactica had to be his largest and fastest one yet. The owner decided he wanted a 30-knot top speed—greased lightning for a yacht this size and a conundrum for the shipyard.

A 262-ft. steel-hulled boat with conventional propulsion wouldn’t be able to reach that 30-knot mark. But an all-aluminum boat might, though that metal doesn’t provide the type of structural support that heavier steel does. Such a yacht had never been built, even by an aluminum specialist like Heesen. It would take serious creative engineering.

Galactica on her maiden journey through small Dutch villages.  Courtesy Galactica

The owner has history when it comes to these types of requests. His previous two yachts, Galactica Star and Galactica Super Nova are both all-aluminum with top speeds nearing 30 knots. At 230 feet in length, the latter was Heesen’s largest-ever build when delivered in 2016. Galactica is 30 feet longer, and while that doesn’t sound like much in the scheme of things, the technical ingenuity required to make it work had Heesen’s top engineers scratching their heads. The answer lay outside the boating industry, in the construction industry’s I-beam.

“Everyone knows the I-beam where you have the material on the outer veins of your structure,” Peter van der Zanden, Heesen’s general manager of design, development and engineering, told Robb Report . “That’s where our inspiration for the backbone came from, where we have the majority of materials in the bottom of the boat and on the main deck—our ‘outer veins’.”

The name “backbone” suggests a spine or something with flex, but the patented box-shaped structure is anything but. Composed of 15-mm aluminum plate, it’s lightweight and strong, running almost the full length of the yacht.

Glass was a main priority for the owner’s third boat in the Galactica series.  Courtesy Heesen

“We knew the design would work, our only concern was if it would work well enough,” says Van der Zanden.

Heesen created a scale model of the boat in water, divided into four segments, and simulated the pressures and forces at sea. When the results exceeded the requirements set out by Lloyd’s, the yard patented the design.

Of course, there’s more to Galactica than its hidden backbone. Key defining features of the Winch Design exterior include large sweeping panes of glass that trace the arching line of the superstructure. A bow helipad doubles as a cinema with seating and a screen that folds away into the deck. The glass-bottomed pool on the main deck reflects sun rays on the beach club below. Increasing the amount of light—both natural and artificial—throughout the boat was a chief request in this latest version of Galactica.

On its journey from the Oss shipyard to North Sea sea trials, the clearance between the top deck and some bridges was less than six inches.  Courtesy Heesen

“The owner’s previous experience has certainly influenced the way Galactica looks,” James Russell, exterior designer at Winch, told Robb Report . “It takes time to learn what you love, and particular focus has been paid to areas where more time will be spent, such as the beach club.”

Inside, an interior by Sinot Yacht Design & Architecture includes a central glass elevator, brushed oak and marble finishes, and in the main deck lounge, hand-cut glass ceilings. Galactica ’s windows incline at 45 degrees, rather than the standard 90 degrees, to give the illusion that the panes of glass are larger than they are.

Glass is a recurring theme, from the glass detailing in the straw marquetry and stainless-steel wall located in the main deck lounge, to the drinks display cabinet on the bridge deck with bespoke-sized backlit glass cubes sized to fit individual bottles. But glass is heavy. For the yacht to be fast, it needs to be light.

The helipad converts into an open-air cinema, with a screen that rises from the deck.  Courtesy Heesen

On a yacht of Galactica ’s size, everything is large, from the four MTU V20 engines (12 tons each) and the two gearboxes (13 tons each), to the air-intakes and the fuel tanks. But everything was made as lightweight as possible. The boat totals only 1,700 gross tons. The owner’s 30 knots will come from the MTUs’ 19,320 horsepower as well as the variable-pitch propellers.

Nothing has come easy with this yacht build. Its January journey from Heesen’s shipyard in Oss to the port of Harlingen where the boat is undergoing final testing in the North Sea was a game of inches. It passed through villages and squeezed beneath canal bridges with less than half a foot to spare, a hair-raising exercise for an undelivered superyacht. It will be turned over to its owner in April.

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Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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These Are the 5 Biggest Superyachts in the World

Yachts, as with most other things connected to the ultrarich—apartments, shopping sprees, bank accounts—are getting bigger. And while price, nautically speaking, usually scales with size, that’s not always the case. So there’s, oddly enough, less overlap between this list and our recent list of the  World’s Most Expensive Superyachts than one might expect.

There are reasons behind this. Interestingly, some of the biggest superyachts in the world have become so stunningly large that they can no longer maintain status as belonging to a single family or dynasty. The largest ones have become condominiums or charterable research vessels—playthings for the ultrawealthy.

Still, superyachts offer a kind of privacy that it is nearly impossible to come by on land. Pencil towers have entrances on public streets and elevators with other residents. Even a castle surrounded by a moat is in view, comparatively. A superyacht, on the other hand, is essentially a private island, an oasis. So as long as the rich keep getting richer, the yachts will keep getting bigger. For now, these are the five biggest superyachts in the world.

5. Eclipse (533 ft)

In 2010, as  Eclipse sailed out of the Hamburg harbor, where it was constructed by notable German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, it was the world’s largest ship. In the intervening decade or so, it’s slid to the fifth position. Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich—whose ties to Putin have caused him to be sanctioned—it allegedly traded hands last year, though this may be simply a dodge to avoid it being seized. Features of the $600 million Terence Disdale–designed ship include 17 staterooms, a 185-foot deck on the massive primary suite, a gym, a spa, an immense swimming pool, and a half-dozen on-board tenders for shuttling guests in and out of port and excursions. If those don’t suffice, there is also a helicopter pad with room for three choppers.

4. Fulk Al Salamah (538 ft)

Like many superyachts, ownership and much else about Fulk Al Salamah —Ship of Peace—is unclear. It is suspected that it belongs to the Omani royal family, a part of their fleet of extortionately expensive conveyances. Built by Mariotti in Genoa in 2016 and designed by local team Studio de Jorio, it contains a beach club (a swim platform, often with a pool and lounge area), beauty salon, and a sizable helicopter deck, though it’s unclear if this deck has room for more choppers than the Eclipse, despite its additional five feet of overall length.

3. Azzam (597 ft)

Azzam holds the title of largest privately owned superyacht, a position it has maintained since it was completed at a cost of $600 million by Lürssen Yachts in Lemwerder, Germany, ten years ago. Designed by Nauta of Milan with interiors by French decorator Christophe Leoni, the ship is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayah. Prominent features include Empire-style furnishings and interiors, and a pair of massive diesel engines coupled with a pair of gas turbines, allowing high-speed travel and an immense range between refuelings. The Sheikh must be somewhat paranoid—or have good reason to fear attack—because the yacht also includes a high tech security system including a missile system and bulletproof master suite.

2. REV Ocean (600 ft)

The acronym in this giant yacht’s title stands for Research and Expedition Vessel, and this $350 million ship is outfitted to do just that. Groups that charter it head out to sea and use its state of the art scientific equipment to dive into trenches in its transparent-domed submersibles, arrange whale pod viewings in its helicopters, conduct seabed mapping and coring with its sonar and drilling systems, view documentaries in its 35-person theater, and even listen in on or record the conversations of ocean mammals with its underwater hydrophone. Funded by the Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, designed in Norway by Espen Øino, and built by Norwegian constructor Vard, it is slated to be completed in 2024. Over 100 groups applied for the maiden voyage, with preference given for scientific research and conservation missions—54 scientists can be accommodated onboard. Though it seems that private charters with the proper scientific supervision may also be allowed. Any profits made by chartering are returned to the funder’s One Healthy Ocean initiative.

1. Somnio (728ft)

Referred to as the world’s first yacht liner, this floating giant—the name is Latin for dream—combines features of a superyacht, a cruise ship, and a condominium. Under construction by the Norwegian ship-building company Vard, with an expected completion date in the middle of 2024, the $600 million project will feature 39 private residences designed by Winch and Tilberg, both of Sweden. Each will include bespoke features including a gym, kitchen, library, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Of course, apartments, which start in the eight-figure range, are available by invite only. Both the owners list and the planned route at sea are closely guarded secrets.

The largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, from Mark Zuckerberg to Jeff Bezos

• Megayachts have become a status symbol for the richest of the rich.
• In recent years, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg have splurged on enormous boats.
• These are the biggest yachts owned by tech billionaires.

The average Joe celebrating a personal renaissance after, say, the end of a long-term relationship or when approaching a fresh decade might commemorate it with an ankle tattoo or a sports car. But if you're a billionaire, you may instead spend hundreds of millions on a yacht .

A few years after he and his wife divorced, Jeff Bezos shelled out on a megayacht. Last year, Bezos debuted the 127-meter vessel "Koru," a Māori symbol that signifies a fresh start — perhaps referring to that with his fiancée Lauren Sanchez.

Earlier this year, just before his 40th birthday, Mark Zuckerberg became the rumored owner of a yacht originally built for a Russian oligarch.

Superyachts have increasingly become ultrawealthy status symbols , providing highly secluded leisure and networking sites. They are — even more so than real estate — the single most expensive asset you can own.

"It's a bit of a celebration of your success in life, of wealth," Giovanna Vitelli, the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, the world's biggest producer of superyachts, told Business Insider.

While many tech billionaires have bought yachts, the richest of the rich, like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, have gone bigger. Their boats are virtual palaces at sea, decked with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

A look at these megayachts — broadly defined as over 70 meters long, mostly custom-built, and often costing nine figures — offers a glimpse into how the .00001% lives. It's something few others will ever get to experience. Even chartering a yacht of this size for a week typically costs upwards of $1 million.

One major thing that hundreds of millions of dollars can buy is privacy. There are likely yachts that have not been publicly recorded or registered — for example, Evan Spiegel is rumored to own the 94-meter megayacht Bliss. In an industry ruled by discretion , deciphering who owns what is typically an exercise in stringing together many clues.

Here are the largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, listed in order of length.

Jeff Bezos: Koru and Abeona

Amazon founder Bezos' $500 million megayacht, the 127-meter Koru, made a splash last year as she crisscrossed the Mediterranean in her first summer at sea, with her 75-meter support vessel Abeona in tow.

The sailing yacht, which is hard to miss thanks to her massive size and unique design, was host to Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez's famous friends . The couple held an engagement party on board, which reportedly drew guests including Bill Gates, Ari Emanuel, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Just a week later, they were seen on the streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, and Usher.

Even before her completion, Koru made headlines. She drew the ire of some Dutch people, who vowed to hurl eggs after she was announced a historic bridge in Rotterdam might be taken apart to allow the Oceanco boat through. Luckily, the shipyard made alternative plans, and an egg crisis was averted.

Among yacht world insiders , Koru is widely praised for her craftsmanship.

"I heard back in 2018 or something that somebody had ordered a classic sailing yacht," one superyacht expert told BI. "You order 125 meters, that's not really going to be classic. But it is. I think it's pretty cool."

Mark Zuckerberg: Launchpad

Earlier this year, the yacht world was rife with rumors that Zuckerberg purchased Launchpad, a 118-meter superyacht originally designed for a sanctioned Russian businessman.

The ship made her maiden voyage in March, going from Gibraltar to St. Maarten and mooring in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Little is known about her interior, but photos show a large swimming pool and helipad. Her price, too, has been kept under wraps but is said to be nine figures.

Eric Schmidt: Whisper

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt made waves last year when he agreed to buy the Alfa Nero , the yacht of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, for $67 million in an auction conducted by Antigua and Barbuda. But he backed out of the deal following legal issues over her true owner. He quietly purchased Kismet instead. The 95-meter-long Lürssen-built boat was formerly owned by the Jacksonville Jaguar's billionaire owner Shahid Khan . Schmidt renamed her Whisper.

The ship can fit 12 guests and a crew of 28, according to Moran Yacht & Ship, which oversaw her construction. She features a master deck with a private jacuzzi, full-service spa, lap pool, movie theater, and outdoor fireplace.

While her final sale price was not public, she was listed for 149 million euros (about $161 million at current exchange rates), and at a charity auction in January, one week aboard the ship went for $2.4 million, according to industry outlet Yacht Charter Fleet.

Barry Diller: Eos

Barry Diller , the chairman of digital media company IAC, co-owns the megayacht Eos with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg , who is immortalized by a figurehead sculpture by Anh Duong.

One of the largest private sailing yachts in the world, the three-masted Lürssen schooner measures 93 meters long. She took three years to be built before being delivered to Diller in 2009, and since then, little has come to light about her interior and features.

The power couple has hosted many celebrities on the Eos, which spends her summers crisscrossing the Mediterranean and New Year ' s Eve in St. Barts . Over the years, guests have included Oprah Winfrey, Emma Thompson, Anderson Cooper, and Bezos, leading some to believe she provided inspiration for his Koru.

Jim Clark: Athena

Netscape founder Jim Clark purchased the 90-meter sailing yacht Athena in 2004.

"I could easily have built a 50- or 60-meter motor yacht that would have had the same space as Athena, but I was never really interested in building a motor yacht," he told Boat International in 2016. "To my eye, she's one of the most gorgeous large sailing yachts, maybe the most gorgeous large sailing yacht in the world."

Athena has room for 10 guests and 21 crewmembers, and the only change Clark says he'd make in her design is adding more space for his kids.

"If I was forced to change something, I would convert the office on the lower deck into a children's room," he said.

The former Stanford professor tried to sell her at various points — listing her for $95 million in 2012 , $69 million in 2016, and $59 million in 2017 — but she has yet to change hands.

Larry Ellison: Musashi

Oracle founder Larry Ellison has owned several superyachts over the years, including the Katana, the Ronin, and the Rising Sun — which he sold to fellow billionaire David Geffen .

He purchased his current boat, Musashi, in 2011 for a reported $160 million from custom-yacht giant Feadship.

Named after a famous samurai warrior, the 88-meter-long yacht has both Japanese and Art Deco-inspired design elements. She also boasts amenities including an elevator, swimming pool, beauty salon, gym, and basketball court.

Ellison is known for his extravagant spending — private islands, jets, a tennis tournament — and yachting is among his favorite and most expensive hobbies. He took up racing them in the 1990s and financed the America's Cup-winning BMW Oracle Racing team .

Laurene Powell Jobs: Venus

Steve Jobs' wife, investor and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, inherited a nearly finished 78-meter yacht named Venus when the Apple cofounder died in 2011.

After spending years vacationing on Ellison's yachts, Jobs wanted one for himself. He designed Venus with French starchitect and decorator Philippe Starck , and she was worth $130 million at completion.

"Venus comes from the philosophy of minimum," Starck said of her design. "The elegance of the minimum, approaching dematerialization."

Jobs and Starck began working together in 2007, the designer told Vanity Fair , and held monthly meetings over four years. Venus was delivered in 2012 to Jobs' specification: six identical cabins, a design to ensure spaces of absolute silence, and the most up-to-date technology.

"There will never again be a boat of that quality again. Because never again will two madmen come together to accomplish such a task," Starck told the magazine. "It was not a yacht that Steve and I were constructing, we were embarked on a philosophical action, implemented according to a quasi-religious process. We formed a single brain with four lobes."

Charles Simonyi: Norn

Early Microsoft employee Charles Simonyi has purchased two megayachts from the German shipyard Lürssen: the 90-meter Norn and 71-meter Skat.

Delivered in 2023, Norn is full of luxe features, including an outdoor cinema and a pool floor that lifts to become a light-up dancefloor. She shares a militaristic style with Skat , which Simonyi sold in 2021.

Skats's name is derived from the Danish word for treasure, and she had a listing price of 56.5 million euros and was launched in 2002.

"The yacht is to be home away from my home in Seattle, and its style should match the style of the house, adapted for the practicalities of the sea," Simonyi once said .

Sergey Brin: Dragonfly

Google cofounder Sergey Brin has built a flotilla of yachts, boats, and toys known as the "Fly Fleet."

Named after a once-secret Google product , the largest of Brin's armada is the sleek Dragonfly , which boasts a movie theater and a helipad. The 73-meter-long vessel was built by the Australian shipyard Silver Yachts and can fit up to 18 guests and 16 crew members, according to SuperYacht Times.

Also in his fleet is the superyacht Butterfly, a mere 38 meters long. Often moored in the Bay Area, her crewmembers spend their downtime kitesurfing and giving swimming lessons to local kids.

The rest of his marine lineup includes a smaller boat called Firefly, as well as Jet Skis, foilboards, dinghies, and kiteboards. She takes a team of 50 full-time employees to manage, steer, and maintain the entire operation.

Sindhu Sundar contributed to an earlier version of this story.

Correction: May 6, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated Giovanna Vitelli's title. She is the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, not a vice president.

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AZZAM Yacht – The World’s Biggest Superyacht is 180m Long

AZZAM yacht is the largest superyacht in the world, with an impressive length of 179.7 metres (590 ft), making her more than 15 metres longer than FULK AL SALAMAH, which is in second place on the list.

AZZAM yacht interior

The interior design of the AZZAM yacht is attributed to the French designer Christophe Leoni who is surprisingly not incredibly experienced in designing superyachts.

While exact details on the interior layout of the massive yacht have not been released to the public, it is known that Sheikh Khalifa requested a lot of wood furniture as well as intricate mother-of-pearl elements to be incorporated into all parts of the yacht.

More than a year’s worth of production of pearls was used in the interior design of AZZAM.

The interior has been described as being inspired by the Empire style reminiscent of the 19th century and incorporates numerous valuable artworks which are on display onboard AZZAM.

She can welcome an estimated 36 guests and over 80 crew members, which is one of the highest numbers in her size category.

The AZZAM yacht reportedly has 18 guest cabins with a massive owner’s suite that spans across several rooms.

According to rumors, the suite was constructed to be bulletproof, and there is a designated missile defense system installed onboard the AZZAM yacht although it is unclear whether this is accurate.

One of her most notable features is her custom-designed golf room which allows guests to practice their swings without even having to step foot outside.

She also has a large gym, a spa, several pools, jacuzzis, and a beauty salon on board.

Her main saloon is supposed to be one of a kind and one of the largest ever constructed on a private yacht. At 29 meters (95 ft) by 18 meters (59 ft), it is larger than a tennis court and offers unobstructed views of the outside due to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are no pillars to support the saloon, which gives it an open feel but requires additional ceiling beams and 7-centimeter thick custom-made windows.

A large and fast yacht-like AZZAM is bound to generate a lot of noise when underway.

To ensure a comfortable experience for guests onboard, engineers installed special software which keeps vibrations and engine sounds to a minimum.

This means that the large chandelier in the main saloon doesn’t rattle even when the yacht is underway.

Specifications

The AZZAM yacht might be the longest yacht in the world, but she is technically not the largest. DILBAR actually has a higher displacement and weight even though she is more than 23 meters (75 ft) shorter than AZZAM.

This impressive yacht was built by Luerssen in Bremen, Germany, and officially launched in November of 2013.

In March 2014, she briefly returned to Germany for some additional work. She has a 20.8-meter (68.3 ft) beam, a 4.5-meter (14.9 ft) draft, and a total weight of 13,136 tons.

AZZAM is powered by twin gas turbine engines and two additional diesel MTU engines and can carry more than 1 million liters of fuel onboard.

Despite her size, she can reach impressive top speeds of 30 knots which can be attributed to her relatively low draft, although her average cruising speed only lies at 12 knots.

The yacht has several cruising modes, including a sprint setting as well as a long-distance mode.

The exterior of the AZZAM yacht was developed by Nauta Yachts, which specializes in combining practical functions design with aesthetics and sleek yacht design. AZZAM is their largest and probably most well-known project. 

The AZZAM yacht took more than four years, and 4,000 people collectively worked for 6 million hours to complete it.

The exterior is all-white with a streamlined design that is meant to make AZZAM appear smaller than she actually is when seen from further away.

On the bow, a large helipad is available for guests to arrive and depart in style and the yacht carries at least one helicopter at all times.

The aft is reserved for a spacious swimming platform, although AZZAM does not have a beach club in this location like many other vessels of her size category.

As is to be expected for such a high-profile superyacht, AZZAM does not have a lot of open-air deck space and is designed to protect the privacy of its owners.

There are no visible pools or much seating, which suggests that the spacious interior of AZZAM is reserved for entertainment and common spaces.

Total price of US $600 million for the luxury AZZAM yacht.

Her annual running costs of US $50 to 75 million are not surprising, considering she is the largest private yacht in the world.

Azzam Yacht Docking in Gibraltar

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Why Did The Bayesian Superyacht Sink So Disastrously? These Theories Could Explain It

Earlier this week, a luxury yacht belonging to British tech mogul Mike Lynch sank off the coast of Sicily following a storm. As of August 23, seven bodies have been recovered, with the Italian coastguard confirming its identity as that of Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old daughter of the deceased billionaire. Ever since the tragic incident, multiple theories have been spread across the internet, trying to decipher why and how the 184-foot Bayesian superyacht became the victim of a freak storm.

According to The Telegraph , Lynch reportedly planned to sell the luxurious yacht back in March, but merely after a few months on the market, he withdrew the listing. In the wake of the accident, investigators are said to be eyeing an analysis of the ship's keel, which was "partially elevated" and is being seen as a potential cause behind the tragedy.

Then there's the "human error" side of the story. Inquiry will also be made into the crew's response, specifically into their emergency protocol execution of closing the hatches. As of now, we don't have any conclusive evidence of how the events unfolded, but experts have pushed a few theories into what was the likely cause behind the yacht capsizing.

A Waterspout could have caused the disaster

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica , when authorities in the town of Termini Imerese interrogated 51-year-old James Cutfield, captain of the Bayesian superyacht, the New Zealander mentioned that he didn't see the storm coming. The fact that the nearby vessels didn't sink has raised suspicion that the cause was localized in nature. And given the erratic weather situation with storms, many are pointing fingers at waterspout, a phenomenon characterized by a whirling column of water and mist. 

Tornadic waterspouts can either move from land to water bodies or form directly over water and are often tagged along by strong winds, hail, and occasionally lightning, as well. The Tornadic waterspouts that triggered the Bayesian tragedy are said to have emerged from the recent wave of storms that have hit the Italian coastline in recent days, causing severe damage in some areas.

The biggest danger posed by waterspouts is what experts refer to as the knock-down effect, where sufficiently strong winds or waves hit a ship with enough force that it damages the mast. The Bayesian had a mast standing at 75 meters, which could have played a crucial role here. "In this case, having a tall aluminum mast would not make it the safest port to be in case of a storm," an expert in nautical design told The New York Times .

Strong winds are said to have pushed the mast, triggering the whole event in the first place. According to the report, witnesses saw "a small tornado-like column" during an unexpected storm that ended up sinking the Bayesian. The ​​International Centre for Waterspout Research also claims to have recorded 18 waterspouts close to Italy, adding that one of them may have been responsible for the yacht accident.

It's undetermined if human error contributed

The Bayesian's mast was one of the biggest in the world, and questions are being raised as to whether it was partially responsible for the incident. However, the maker of the ship disagrees with the notion. In an interview with Sky News , Giovanni Costantino, the CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns Bayesian's builder Perini Navi, told the outlet that the core structural components of such ships are "unsinkable bodies."

He claimed that vessels like the Bayesian are "the safest in the most absolute sense," further adding that there were no inherent issues with the construction and design of the superyacht. Costantino blamed the accident on human error, the executive said in an interview with local outlet Corriere Della Sera . He questioned why the crew was unaware of the approaching storm despite it being predictable. Noting that the whole turn of events was predictable, Costantino questioned the survivor testimonies, adding that claims of the ship capsizing within seconds don't make sense, given the kind of failsafe measures built into the Bayesian. Following is a (translated) excerpt from the interview:

"I'm saying that, in fact, mistakes were made. Between the arrival of a storm and the loading of water there is a world. A series of activities had to be done to avoid finding ourselves in that situation. As the commander of the ship, I would have moved, but even if for some reason I had to stay there, I would have managed those weather conditions which, let's face it, weren't that crazy."

Open doors and hatches could have quickened the pace

In his interview, Costantino, citing divers at the rescue spot, claimed that the hatch was certainly open and that there may have been other similar mistakes that allowed water to come inside."I would have said that the boat got hit very hard by the wind, it was pinned over on its side. I imagine all the doors were open because it was hot, so there were enough hatches and doors open that it filled with water very quickly and sank like that," Sam Jefferson, Editor of Sailing Today magazine, was quoted as saying by the DailyMail .

Nautical design professor at Milan Polytechnic University, Andrea Ratti, also shared similar concerns. "One or more portholes, windows or other openings may have been left open, broken or smashed by the waterspout, letting in water," claims a Reuters report citing Ratti. Based on pictorial analysis, Sky News mentioned the presence of air conditions in rooms aboard the Bayesian, but some experts note that due to hot temperatures outside, guests may have left the windows and portholes open.

This could have played a role in speeding up the boat's sinking process as it faced strong gusts of wind followed by an influx of water. Just four days before the Bayesian sank, the Mediterranean Sea recorded its highest-ever sea surface temperatures. According to Italian climate expert Luca Mercalli, who spoke to CNN , waters around the Sicilian coast were hotter than their usual levels.

The keel conundrum

The final theory about the Bayesian's sinking is linked to the keel, the structural beam that is responsible for maintaining a ship's stability . The Bayesian featured a retractable keel system, so that it can be pulled up and allow the ship to dock in areas where the water levels are low. However, according to some experts, poor decision-making in the face of challenging weather may have contributed to the tragedy.

Now, the wreckage of the superyacht was discovered at a depth of around 50 meters, which is not shallow, and that means there was no need for the keel to be retracted. But according to certain reports, it was "partially retracted." Investigators are now trying to establish details about the ship's keel at the time of the event.

But it seems owing to the Bayesian's engineering, it wouldn't have played any key role in how the ship actually sank . "Even without the keel completely out, the ship is stable, and only a massive entry of water could have caused the sinking," a spokesperson for the Italian Sea Group was quoted by the BBC . So far, no conclusive report has emerged, and we'll have to wait until local investigations dig up evidence and establish how the events unfolded.

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‘Only comfort is they are still together’ says family of bank boss who died with wife in superyacht sinking

The family of a leading bank boss who died alongside his wife when the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily have said their “only comfort” is that the couple are “still together now”.

Jonathan Bloomer , chairman of Morgan Stanley International and insurance company Hiscox, and his wife Judy, a psychotherapist, died when Mike Lynch’s £30 million superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

Their deaths were confirmed on Thursday, along with those of Lynch , Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo , 59, and his wife, Neda. Tributes to all those killed have been paid by colleagues, friends and business leaders.

In a statement on behalf of all the family, the Bloomer children said: “We are grieving for our loved ones and all of those affected by the tragedy.

“Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren.

“Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now.

“This is an unimaginable grief to shoulder.”

Mr Bloomer, 70, was formerly chief executive of the Prudential insurance group and a defence witness in the US trial in which Mr Lynch was acquitted of fraud.

On Thursday night, the chief executive of Morgan Stanley described Mr Bloomer as a “friend and mentor to many”.

Ted Pick said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic news.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Bloomer family and all those affected by this tragedy.

“Jonathan’s leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses.

“He has been a friend and mentor to many and we will all greatly miss his wise counsel and spirit of kindness.”

Aki Hussain , the chief executive of insurance group Hiscox, where Mr Bloomer was chairman, added: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by Jonathan and Judy’s tragic deaths.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends at this devastating time.

“It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox.

“His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with.

“His advice and support were immensely valuable to me, and he will be dearly missed.”

Elsewhere, friends and colleagues of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch praised the businessman.

Family friend Patrick Jacob said: “Mike’s ability to identify and solve complex problems was phenomenal as was his ability to simplify and explain them.

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“As a friend, Mike was never dull and always ready for a lively debate on almost any topic conducted with intelligence and convivial vigour.

“He could be challenging and direct but I never came away from seeing him without feeling my life was enriched by the experience.”

Eleanor Lightbody, the chief executive of legal AI company Luminance, said: “I am devastated to hear the news about our founding investor, Mike Lynch, and all of those involved in this tragic accident.

“Mike was a visionary unlike any other. He had a unique ability to spot the next technological revolution and solve tomorrow’s challenges before others even knew they were coming.

“Beyond that, it was his connection to people that made him special. He had a steadfast belief in the UK’s technology sector, in our incredible academic institutions and in the talent he took the time to spot and nurture, regardless of background or discipline.

“Above all, Mike was a kind man who had an impact on many and will be sorely missed. I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years.

“The UK has lost someone with the means, authority, knowledge and drive to propel the UK into technological leadership, but his legacy will live on in all of the extraordinary businesses he built and mentored, as well as his family who are in my thoughts.”

Tim Davie , BBC director-general said: “We are deeply saddened by the awful news about the deaths of those aboard the Bayesian yacht.

“Mike Lynch was an outstanding BBC director who made a major contribution during his time on the board, from 2007 to 2012.

“Wise, generous and insightful, he played a particularly key role in accelerating our transformation as a digital organisation.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all others involved.”

The families of Mr Morvillo and his wife released an emotional statement after the couple were confirmed to have died in the tragedy.

It said: “We are completely devastated by the passing of Chris and Neda, and our collective hearts go out to all the families who have also been affected by this senseless tragedy.

“Chris and Neda were each widely respected for their professional successes, Chris as a distinguished attorney and Neda as a skilled jewellery designer, but their true talents were that of mother and father, son and daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and dear friends to so many.

“Neda and Chris lived their lives as devoted, loving parents who always put their daughters and families first. Their passing is a tremendous loss for our family and for the countless people who knew and loved them both.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Italian rescue services for their unwavering dedication and to Clifford Chance for all the support they have provided.

“As we grieve this enormous loss, our primary focus remains on Chris and Neda’s daughters and other loved ones, and we respectfully request privacy.”

Mr Morvillo had taken on several high-profile cases throughout his career, including assisting in the criminal investigation that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Elkan Abramowitz, partner at Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello PC, worked with Mr Morvillo’s father, Robert Morvillo, who was also a renowned lawyer. The younger Mr Morvillo worked at the firm for several years after he left his role as a federal prosecutor.

“We’ve been in contact with the family, and obviously this is a tragic, devastating fact for them, for us,” he told The Telegraph.

“I met Chris when he was four years old because I was friendly and a partner for many years with his father, Bob Marvillo, and I was like an uncle to Chris, and we feel the loss, not only professionally, but personally. It’s just a tragic, tragic, turn of events.”

He added that after leaving his law firm Mr Morvillo went to work for Clifford Chance where he was “a superstar”.

“And of course, he had this fantastic win just a few weeks ago. He was a wonderful human being and a great lawyer, but more importantly, wonderful person, as was his wife.”

He said Mrs Morvillo was an “independent, strong woman, a very talented jewellery designer and very successful at that.”

07:24 PM BST

This blog is now closed. here are the key points from today:.

The search for the last remaining passenger entered its fourth day

Hannah Lynch is still missing, according to reports from the Italian coastguard

Divers in Sicily recovered the fifth body from the wreckage, bringing the number of confirmed dead to six

The Bayesian’s shipbuilder claimed the superyacht was “virtually unsinkable”

David Davis vowed to scrap the US-UK extradition treaty in memory of Mike Lynch

Mike Lynch considered selling Bayesian before the trip, The Telegraph revealed

The family of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer said their “only comfort is they are still together”

Tributes poured in for the victims

The family of Chris and Neda Morvillo said the couple “lived their lives as devoted, loving parents to their daughters”

07:11 PM BST

Pictured: carlo dall’oppio, head of italy’s firefighters, with his crew at the port in porticello, 07:08 pm bst, british crew member ‘okay’, says brother.

The British engineer who survived the superyacht disaster is “okay”, his brother has confirmed.

Engineer Tim Parker-Eaton, from Clophill, Bedfordshire, is one of the 15 people who survived the capsizing of the Bayesian.

Speaking from his home in Chicago, Illinois, Stephen Parker-Eaton told The Telegraph that his brother Tim “is okay”, but said he had been advised against commenting further.

Stephen said: “I’ve just been advised that he’s in a situation, and they’re dealing with it, and I should not make any comment until that has been resolved with the right authorities.

“I am not aware of the situation - as to what is going on there - I am just aware that he has survived,” he said.

Tim Parker-Eaton has been associated with the Bayesian for over a decade. In 2013 he served as the yacht’s chief engineer.

07:03 PM BST

Sinking’s ‘torture lasted 16 minutes’.

The torture of the Bayesian sinking lasted 16 minutes, according to the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which owns several boat brands including the superyacht’s builder, Perini Navi.

Giovanni Costantino told the Financial Times: “The torture lasted 16 minutes. It went down, not in one minute as some scientists have said. It went down in 16 minutes.

“You can see it from the charts, from the AIS [Automatic Identification System] tracking chart.”

06:43 PM BST

Jonathan bloomer, respected city executive who spoke up in a us court for mike lynch – obituary.

Jonathan Bloomer, who has died aged 70, was chairman of Morgan Stanley International, former chief executive of the Prudential insurance group – and a defence witness in the US trial in which the tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch was acquitted of fraud.

A well-respected City professional, Bloomer had a reputation for straightforwardness, decency and attention to detail. Colleagues described a gentle, understated man, perhaps more suited to chair and committee roles than to the limelight he attracted during a rollercoaster tenure at Prudential, where he was finance director from 1995 and chief executive from 2000 to 2005.

Read the full obituary here

06:30 PM BST

Chris and neda morvillo died in bayesian disaster, says family.

The family of Chris and Neda Morvillo has released a statement, confirming the couple died after the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

The statement reads: “We are completely devastated by the passing of Chris and Neda, and our collective hearts go out to all the families who have also been affected by this senseless tragedy.

05:54 PM BST

Hiscox and hargreaves lansdown mourn ‘giant of financial services’.

The chief executive of insurance group Hiscox has said Jonathan Bloomer “will be dearly missed”.

Aki Hussain said: “It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox.

“His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with.”

Hargreaves Lansdown described Mr Bloomer as a “giant in financial services”.

Mr Bloomer served on the investment platform’s board from 2006 to 2013 as a senior independent director.

The group said: “We in the Hargreaves Lansdown family will miss him and our thoughts go out to his loved ones, as well as those of the others lost in this awful disaster.”

05:39 PM BST

Charity pays tribute to ‘champion’ judy bloomer.

Judy Bloomer was a trustee and long-time supporter of gynaecological cancer research charity the Eve Appeal.

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal, called her “our very dear friend”.

The appeal added that she was a “champion for women’s health, medical research and all that the Eve Appeal stands for”.

Sally Bailey, a former chairwoman of charity Pilot Light, wrote that Ms Bloomer was a “wonderful friend” to the Eve Appeal, and “a kind and caring person”.

Ms Bloomer studied English at Homerton College, Cambridge, before working as a psychotherapist for nearly 30 years, specialising in anxiety and stress.

05:13 PM BST

Divers continue search for mike lynch’s missing daughter.

Divers are hunting for Mike Lynch’s missing daughter after it was suggested she may not be inside the sunken superyacht.

Specialist cave divers are continuing their search for 18-year-old Hannah Lynch, who remains the last person unaccounted for after the Bayesian sank on Monday.

Massimo Mariani, an interior ministry official, said that Hannah may still be inside the ship, which lies 165ft underwater on the seabed, or could have been tossed into the sea when the superyacht sank.

Read the full story here.

04:48 PM BST

Jonathan bloomer embodied ‘spirit of kindness’, says morgan stanley chief executive.

The chief executive of Morgan Stanley has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer, the bank’s international chairman, following his death in the sinking of the Bayesian.

04:32 PM BST

Pictured: italian firefighter divers continue search of shipwreck, 03:58 pm bst, mike lynch was ‘invaluable’ board member, says british library chief executive.

The chief executive of the British Library, Sir Roly Keating, said: “Mike’s extraordinary understanding of technology, combined with his passion for the British Library’s mission to share knowledge, made him an invaluable member of our board.

“He was thoughtful, perceptive and supportive, and will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with him in his time here.”

Mr Lynch also served on the board of the BBC and was a trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

03:34 PM BST

Mike lynch considered selling superyacht before trip.

Mike Lynch considered selling his doomed superyacht before his trip to the Mediterranean but changed his mind after his acquittal, The Telegraph can reveal.

The British tech tycoon, 59, had put his £30 million Perini Navi yacht up for sale in March this year but withdrew it from the market in July, shortly after he was  acquitted of fraud in San Francisco .

He planned to spend the summer on board the 56-metre vessel and then review the decision to sell in the autumn, industry sources told The Telegraph.

03:25 PM BST

Bbc director-general pays tribute to mike lynch.

Tim Davie, BBC director-general, has paid tribute to Mike Lynch.

He said: “We are deeply saddened by the awful news about the deaths of those aboard the Bayesian yacht.

03:00 PM BST

Superyacht retrieval would help investigation, says salvage chief.

Nick Barke, head of salvage operations at Boats.co.uk, has said the “only real way of knowing” why the yacht sank will be to lift it to the surface.

Mr Barke warned that such a process would be “expensive and complicated” as “they have to do it in such a way that they don’t damage anything too badly.”

He said divers would attach straps to the boat before it is lifted upright and hauled out of the water by a crane barge.

02:29 PM BST

Chief executive of cancer research uk pays tribute to mike lynch.

The chief executive of Cancer Research UK has added to the tributes paid to Mike Lynch after confirmation of his death on Thursday.

Michelle Mitchell said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Lynch and all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

“Together with his wife, Angela, Mike was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK and a member of the board for our Create the Change campaign, which funded the building of the Francis Crick Institute.

“His support has helped to bring leading scientists together under one roof to tackle the biggest health challenges faced by humankind, including cancer.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to all the families affected.”

02:00 PM BST

Timing of mike lynch death like ‘shakespearean tragedy’.

The timing of Mike Lynch’s death has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy by a friend of the technology entrepreneur.

Brent Hoberman, the lastminute.com founder and friend of Mr Lynch, told BBC:  “It’s very tragic and the timing is of a Shakespearean era tragedy.”

Mr Hoberman added: “He had just worked hard to clear his name for the last 12 years and was on a celebratory cruise with the people who supported him so much through that really tough time.”

01:48 PM BST

Admiralty nautical chart shows shipwreck area.

An extract from Admiralty Chart 963 covering ports on the north coast of Sicilia shows the area in which Mike Lynch’s superyacht sank on Monday.

Although the precise spot where Bayesian sank has not been disclosed by the authorities, it is known to be about half a mile south-east of Porticello.

01:33 PM BST

Pictured: rescue workers at the scene of bayesian sinking in porticello, 01:11 pm bst, bayesian superyacht was ‘virtually unsinkable’, says shipbuilder.

The Bayesian superyacht was “virtually unsinkable”, the chief executive of the firm that built it has claimed.

Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation into the disaster and will seek to establish what caused the boat to sink and whether any of the crew are criminally liable.

They are expected to investigate the keel on Mike Lynch ’s superyacht after it was found “partially elevated” – and also whether the yacht’s crew had failed to close access hatches into the vessel before the tornado struck.

Read full story here.

12:45 PM BST

Mike lynch’s co-founder pays tribute to ‘genius’.

David Tabizel, Mike Lynch’s co-founder at software giant Autonomy, has paid tribute to the businessman.

He said: “It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man.

“A glorious professional companion and true friend. Britain’s Bill Gates? Not really. Britain’s Steve Jobs. The father of modern AI.”

12:21 PM BST

Emergency workers would need ‘crystal ball’ to know if and when sixth body recovered.

Emergency workers “would need a crystal ball” to know if and when another body will be found, an Italian fire service spokesman said.

Divers brought a fifth body to shore today, with one person still unaccounted for.

The coastguard said the missing person is a woman. Four other bodies were recovered yesterday.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the fire rescue service, told Sky News: “We would need a crystal ball to know when we’ll be able to find the next body.

“It’s very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one metre can take up to 24 hours.”

11:52 AM BST

Inside the £30m bayesian superyacht.

The superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily had won multiple awards for its stylish interiors and design.

Mike Lynch , 59, and his teenage daughter, Hannah, are among the seven passengers and crew feared dead when his yacht, the Bayesian, sank off Porticello near the Sicilian city of Palermo.

Divers are searching the wreckage of the 184ft British-flagged vessel, which rests on the sea bed 160ft below the surface and 1,600ft from shore.

The Bayesian, previously called Salute, was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian shipyard, alongside yacht designer Ron Holland Design.

11:43 AM BST

Plans to raise sunken bayesian not yet been discussed.

Plans to raise the sunken Bayesian from the ocean floor have not yet been discussed by the Italian coast guard.

The luxury yacht is lying intact on its starboard side, 165ft underwater, off the coast of Porticello in Sicily.

Asked if plans had been made to salvage the boat, Vincenzo Zagarola, a spokesman for the coast guard, said: “No, this is not a topic on the agenda. It will be, but not now.”

The Costa Concordia cruise liner, which sank off the Italian island of Giglio in 2012, claiming 32 lives, was not salvaged for more than two years.

11:35 AM BST

Mike lynch ‘human being of great ability’, says francis crick institute chairman.

The chairman of the Francis Crick Institute has described Mike Lynch as a “human being of great ability”, following confirmation on Thursday of the technology mogul’s death.

Mr Lynch was a member of the Create The Change fundraising board, set up by Cancer Research UK and which helped fund the building of the institute.

Lord John Browne said: “Mike Lynch should be remembered as the person who catalysed a breed of deep tech entrepreneurs in the UK.

“His ideas and his personal vision were a powerful contribution to science and technology in both Britain and globally.

“I send my condolences to those close to him. We have lost a human being of great ability.”

11:27 AM BST

Firefighters share details about operation.

The Italian fire service has shared an update on social media after the fifth body was recovered from the Bayesian.

Vigili del Fuoco posted a picture of their equipment on X, alongside the caption: “The dives in the sea began in the early hours of the morning and continue for the search and recovery of the last missing person.”

“The body of the fifth victim was recovered and brought ashore by the divers,” they added.

10:54 AM BST

Pictured: ambulance carries body of person found in bayesian, 10:50 am bst, royal academy of engineering pays tribute to mike lynch.

The Royal Academy of Engineering has paid tribute to its “mentor, donor and former council member” Mike Lynch following his reported death in Sicily.

In a statement, the academy said: “The trustee board, fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch, and send our profound condolences to his family.

“Mike became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond memories of the active role he played in the past as a mentor, donor and former council member.

“He was also one of the inaugural members on the enterprise committee.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

10:47 AM BST

Witness testimonies ‘while memories are fresh’ key to investigation, says expert.

Obtaining testimonies from witnesses “while memories are fresh” will be essential for authorities investigating the Bayesian sinking, a maritime investigator has said.

James Wilkes said authorities will want to speak to those who survived or witnessed the sinking “while the memories are fresh in their mind”.

Mr Wilkes told Sky News: “A lot of the other information can be collected a bit more slowly.”

He said those investigating the sinking will likely want to know what the crew knew about the incoming storm and what preparations had been made.

He added: “Fortunately, 15 people survived. I’d like to explore the circumstances in which they were able to survive the storm and the sinking, to look at the anomalies and work out the difference between those and the people that sadly didn’t survive and combine it all with technical data and simulation.”

10:24 AM BST

Jonathan bloomer ‘a very kind individual’, says nspcc chairman.

The chairman of children’s charity the NSPCC has described Jonathan Bloomer, the former honorary treasurer of the organisation, as “a very kind individual”, after the sinking of the Bayesian.

Speaking about the Morgan Stanley International bank chairman and his wife Judy, who reportedly died after the vessel sank off the coast of Sicily, Neil Berkett said: “We are deeply saddened that the deaths of Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have been confirmed after the yacht they were on tragically sank off the coast of Sicily.

“Jonathan and Judy were great supporters of the NSPCC over many years, with Jonathan joining our board of trustees in 2008 and serving as the honorary treasurer from 2009 to 2016.

“We remember Jonathan from his time with us as a very kind individual with a great sense of humour and Judy as formidable and passionate.

“We are so grateful for everything they did for children and the NSPCC and our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this desperately sad time.”

10:15 AM BST

David davis vows to scrap us-uk extradition treaty in memory of mike lynch.

Sir David Davis has vowed to campaign “in memory” of Mike Lynch to scrap the extradition treaty between the US and the UK.

Mr Lynch was charged with fraud in the United States in 2018 and fought being sent there for trial for years until he was extradited in 2023.

He was cleared of fraud by a San Francisco jury in June this year over the multibillion-dollar sale of Autonomy, his software company. Mr Lynch always denied fraud.

The UK-US extradition treaty was implemented in 2003 but Sir David said it was lopsided in favour of the Americans and does not provide adequate protections for British citizens.

09:55 AM BST

Hannah lynch still missing, says italian coast guard.

Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old daughter of British technology tycoon, Mike Lynch, remains missing after the body of her father and four others were recovered from the Bayesian, according to reports.

The Italian coast guard confirmed to the PA news agency that the sixth and final person yet to be found was a woman.

Mr Lynch; his daughter; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo, were lost when the Bayesian sank at around 5am on Monday.

09:52 AM BST

Bayesian was stable and only massive entry of water could have caused sinking.

The Bayesian was stable and only a massive entry of water could have caused the sinking, according to the company that built the yacht.

The Italian Sea Group which owns Perini Navi, said in a statement: “The yacht was built in 2008 by the Perini shipyards of Viareggio and the last refit was in 2020.

“The controversies about the mast are sterile controversies because the mast, according to those who have seen it, is intact.

“The retractable keel stabilises the ship, but even without the keel completely out the ship is stable and only a massive entry of water could have caused the sinking which did not happen in a minute as someone wrote.”

09:40 AM BST

Bayesian company executive defends construction.

The chief executive of the company that built the Bayesian has defended the boat’s construction and blamed human error for the sinking of the vessel.

Giovanni Costantino, founder and CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the Perini Navi that built the Bayesian, told Corriere della Sera.“The passengers reported something absurd, that the storm came unexpectedly, suddenly. That is not true.  Everything was predictable.”

Mr Costantino said the Bayesian was “one of the safest boats in the world” and was virtually “unsinkable”.

He added: “Ask yourself – why were none of the Porticello fishermen out that night? A fisher checks the conditions and a ship doesn’t? The disturbance was completely readable on all the weather maps. It was impossible not to know.”

Mr Costantino said the strong winds had pushed the boat for four minutes in what he called “drifting”.  He claimed the boat then rotated and had begun taking on water before it sank.

09:31 AM BST

Divers in sicily recover fifth passenger.

Divers in Sicily have recovered the fifth passenger from the sunken superyacht Bayesian after five were discovered in the wreckage yesterday.

On Wednesday Salvatore Cocina, the head of Sicily’s civil protection agency, said that of the  five bodies found , only four had been recovered. However on Thursday morning the fifth body was retrieved.

A fire service boat with flashing blue lights returned with a blue body bag to Porticello at just after 8.45am local time on Thursday.

Italian authorities are yet to confirm the identities of those pulled from the water.

The  British technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his teenage daughter, Hannah, are believed to be among the dead after the £30 million vessel sank on Monday after being hit by a tornado.

Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew on board, including Mr Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued by emergency crews after the yacht suffered catastrophic damage owing to the waterspout.

British authorities are now  investigating the exact cause of the sinking .

08:46 AM BST

Recap: what happened yesterday.

Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah are believed to be among five bodies found in the search of the  luxury superyacht Bayesian on Wednesday.

Four bodies were brought ashore. Salvo Cocina, the director of Sicily’s civil protection agency, told The Telegraph that he believed Mr Lynch and his daughter had been found.

Here is a recap of what happened yesterday:

Four bodies were recovered from the sunken superyacht

Divers found a fifth body, which they were working to recover

One person remains missing

Remotely controlled underwater vehicles were used with naval units and cave divers to assist with the search

Divers entered the superyacht’s hull by breaking a window

The captain of the Bayesian was described as a “very good sailor” by his brother

British inspectors arrived in Sicily to investigate the yacht sinking

08:34 AM BST

Fifth body brought ashore by rescue divers.

A fifth body has been recovered and brought ashore from the sunken superyacht Bayesian, Italian authorities confirmed.

Salvo Cocina, the director-general of Sicily’s civil protection agency, told The Telegraph that the body had been recovered from the wreckage, but he did not give any indication of the identity or sex of the individual.

Divers recovered four bodies on Wednesday, with one other passenger still missing.

08:22 AM BST

Diver search and rescue operation.

Specialist cave divers have been searching for missing passengers in the wreckage of the sunken Bayesian.

They gained access to the £30 million vessel after breaking through a 3cm-thick pane of glass.

The teams have scoured wreckage with the assistance of remotely controlled underwater vehicles.

The yacht is lying intact on its starboard side, 165ft underwater.

08:11 AM BST

Pictured: dive teams head to wreckage.

A boat carrying a dive team heads to the site of the sunken superyacht Bayesian.

A fifth body has now been recovered from the wreckage as the search operations enters its fourth day.

07:45 AM BST

British investigators likely to contact designer of mike lynch’s superyacht.

The designer of  Mike Lynch’s superyacht Bayesian is likely to be contacted by British investigators.

The vessel was designed by Ron Holland, a naval architect, who now lives in Vancouver.

Gavin Pritchard, a retired Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) inspector, told The Telegraph that Mr Holland would, in the normal way, be contacted by the MAIB as its  investigation into the sinking gathers pace.

07:21 AM BST

Prosecutors to investigate mike lynch superyacht’s keel.

Prosecutors will investigate the keel on Mike Lynch’s superyacht after it was found “partially elevated”.

On Wednesday, specialist divers continued to recover the remains of the missing passengers, and the tech entrepreneur and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah are believed to be among those pulled out of the water.

While exploring the Bayesian 165ft underwater on the seabed, it was reported that the vessel’s retractable keel was partially raised, raising questions about the boat’s stability at the time of the sinking.

07:19 AM BST

Search enters fourth day.

The search will resume today for the last remaining passenger of the sunken superyacht Bayesian after the vessel was hit by a tornado on Monday morning.

It comes after five bodies were discovered inside the wreckage yesterday.

Six people, including technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch, were unaccounted for after the vessel was hit by a waterspout at around 5am on Monday causing it to sink.

Salvatore Cocina, the head of Sicily’s civil protection agency, confirmed that of the five bodies found on Wednesday, just four had been recovered. He said the whereabouts of the missing sixth person is not yet known.

Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of those recovered from the wreckage.

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Saturday 24 August 2024 18:33, UK

• Superyacht sinking

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Prosecutor: There 'could be a question of manslaughter'
• Probe 'concentrating' on crew's responsibility
• Seven bodies recovered after five-day search of superyacht wreckage off Sicily
• Saturday's papers pay tribute to youngest victim Hannah Lynch
• Hannah's sister pays tribute to 'my little angel'
• Explained: Inside the superyacht | What challenges have faced divers?
• Eyewitness: Sombre scenes greet rescue teams as final body is brought ashore
• Live reporting by Niamh Lynch

We're ending our live coverage for this evening but here is a recap of what we know:

• Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation into the Bayesian sinking;
• Officials have revealed more details on their investigation and the difficult five-day rescue mission;
• The six bodies found during the search in recent days were all in cabins on the left-hand - and highest - side of the ship. Five were found in the first cabin and the sixth was found in the third;
• Prosecutors said the six passengers were most likely asleep when the boat sank;
• The probe is now focusing on the crew and their responsibilities, with the captain set to undergo more questioning.

Monday 19 August

The Bayesian yacht, flying a British flag, sinks at around 5am local time when the area was hit by a tornado.

Fifteen people are rescued from the 56 metre vessel - including a mother and baby - but another seven remain missing.

One body, later confirmed to be the yacht's chef Recaldo Thomas, is found near the wreck.

It emerges that British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah are among six people that remain missing.

Tuesday 20 August

The search continues for the six tourists missing.

It is reported that among those missing are Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Police divers try to reach the hull of the ship, resting at a depth of 50 metres.

Italy's fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco say early inspections of the wreck were "unsuccessful" because of limited access to the bridge and furniture obstructing passages.

The operation is later described as "complex", with divers limited to 12-minute underwater shifts.

Tributes pour in for Mr Thomas, with his friend Gareth Williams saying: "I can talk for everyone that knew him when I say he was a well-loved, kind human being with a calm spirit."

Wednesday 21 August

The search for the six people unaccounted for enters a third day, with crews carrying out inspections of the yacht's internal hull.

A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) arrive in Porticello to look at the site of the sinking.

A helicopter is drafted in to help with the search effort and remotely controlled underwater vehicles are being used, with naval units and cave divers also taking part in the search.

Five bodies are found inside the yacht on Wednesday afternoon. Only four of them are brought to shore.

Body bags are seen being taken to Porticello in the afternoon where dozens of emergency services staff wait.

Searches finish for the day just before 7.30pm.

Thursday 22 August

The search resumes for the remaining missing person.

The body of the fifth missing person, found but not recovered the previous day, is brought to shore.

A fire service boat with flashing blue lights returns with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time on Thursday.

Tributes pour in for Mr Lynch and Mr and Mrs Bloomer after they are identified as having died.

The search is called off at around 8pm in Sicily, with divers expected to begin again at 6.30am on Friday.

Friday 23  August

The search continues for the final person missing from the wreck of the Bayesian, Hannah Lynch.

Vincenzo Zagarola, of the Italian Coastguard, says the search for Hannah has not been "easy or quick", comparing the sunken yacht to an "18-storey building full of water".

The coastguard confirms in the late morning that her body has been found.

A green body bag is brought to the port of Porticello from the site of the sinking.

A spokesperson announces on behalf of the Lynch family that they are "devastated" and "in shock" after the deaths of Mike and Hannah.

Hannah's sister Esme pays tribute to her "little angel".

Saturday 24 August

A press conference is held in the court of an Italian town, Termini Imerese.

Public prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio tells reporters that his office has opened an initial investigation against unknown persons into manslaughter and negligent shipwreck.

As the focus now turns to the manslaughter investigation, here's another reminder of the seven victims of the sinking and the 15 people who survived. 

A close friend of the Lynch family has added to the chorus of tributes for British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, who died in Monday's superyacht sinking.

Susannah Gurdun, who lives in Suffolk, recalled being "daunted" when she first met Mr Lynch at a dinner party, before discovering he was "so much more than the corporate cliche".

"He was riveting.  He was funny, and kind, and endlessly interesting; capable of talking about anything and everything," she said.

Ms Gardun said the businessman also had a "thrilling ability" to make complicated subjects "accessible to those of us less blessed with a science acumen".

"In particular, he was wonderful with children.  I will never forget hearing him explain to a group of them - including our ten year old son - the physics of why the sky went pink at sunset," she said.

She went on describe Mr Lynch as a "true genius" and "phenomenal creative".

Ms Gardun said his daughter Hannah was also showing "serious literary promise", and added that it was "beyond tragic that we will never know where her own particular brilliance might have led".

"I still feel blessed to have shared that time with them in Spain.  Not just because I witnessed Mike’s incredible storytelling; but because I was given a chance of understanding what that moment said about all four of them as a united vibrant loving family," she said.

"He was an extraordinary human being and it was - truly - a privilege to have known him."

A yacht crew member who survived the sinking has paid tribute to Hannah Lynch, calling her a "diamond in a sea of stars".

Sasha Murray, chief stewardess of the Bayesian, has released a statement after divers recovered the final missing body from the wreckage, which is believed to be 18-year-old Hannah.

"Those who knew her will know that Hannah was a diamond in a sea of stars," she said.

"Bright, beautiful and always shining. What most people may not have seen was the extraordinarily strong, deep and loving relationship she shared with her parents, whom she adored more than anything. 

"While swimming with them she often said, if anything ever happened she would save them. 

"I have no doubt that the Irish, Latina fire that burns in her soul kept that spirited determination alive."

Ms Murray's statement comes as a new image of Hannah Lynch and her father Mike Lynch is released:

Prosecutors announced in this morning's news conference that they have opened a manslaughter and negligent shipwreck investigation.

Officials were unable to answer several queries from the media, saying they needed time to establish the facts, but what are the key questions facing prosecutors? 

Why weren't passengers who remained on board the vessel warned about escaping from the yacht?

The prosecutor in charge of the case, Raffaele Cammarano, suggested that some passengers may have been asleep when others were awake.

Asked why they were not woken up or alerted, he said that is something investigators are trying to work out from the statements of the survivors.

He called it an "essential" part of the inquiry.

Why were several of the passengers in one cabin?

The press conference heard several bodies onboard the sunken yacht were found in a single cabin which was not theirs.

Mr Cammarano said investigators currently do not know the reason for them being discovered in the same cabin.

The chief of the Palermo fire service, Bentivoglio Fiandra, said the yacht pinned to the right and suggested people tried to go on the other side, taking refuge in cabins in the higher part of the wreck.

Why did the boat sink?

The vessel had been deemed "unsinkable" by its manufacturer - Italian shipyard Perini Navi.

The Bayesian was hit by a downburst, according to Mr Cammarano, which are powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and spread out quickly once they hit the ground.

Officials will look into the safety equipment on the sunken vessel.

Mr Cammarano was asked about whether there is a black box and if the hatches were left open.

He said investigators do not have exact information about the black box and that the first phase of the inquiry will look into it.

Why were nearby vessels not similarly affected?

Another yacht, the Sir Robert BP, was about 150 to 200 metres from the Bayesian when extreme weather hit.

Its crew helped to rescue 15 people from the stricken vessel.

Italian officials said they would be looking at how the downburst could affect one vehicle and not other nearby vessels.

What weather warnings was the Bayesian alerted to?

Maritime director of western Sicily, Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda, said the weather at the time of the yacht's sinking was abnormal and there was nothing to suggest such an extreme situation would arise.

He said there were forecasts of winds and a storm alert, but there was no warning of a tornado.

"Given that the conditions were such, there wasn't anything to suggest there could be an extreme situation arising," he said.

"There are vessels that can monitor, after all, these events and one would have thought that the captain had taken precautions."

How long will it take to recover the sailing vessel?

Mr Macauda could not confirm how long it would take to retrieve the shipwreck of the sunken yacht.

"Everything depends on the availability of the owners and the timeframe of the retrieval of the wreck and of course all that has to be submitted to the port authorities and in parallel of course there will be the inquiry results and it's only really then that we will be able to authorise the operation," he said.

"I can't say, like some experts who have already spoken on the subject, [said] that it will be eight weeks."

He made clear that the owners will bear the full cost of retrieval, although he could not estimate the figure.

Italian authorities detailed the challenging and meticulous rescue operation to recover the six missing people from the Bayesian wreck (see 9.18am post).

But why was the five-day search so difficult? 

Read more below...

More on this morning's press conference. 

One of the main updates from prosecutors was that they have opened manslaughter and shipwreck investigations after the deaths of seven people in the Bayesian sinking. 

Watch the announcement below...

Prosecutors have given a lengthy news conference this morning on their investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian. 

Read the full report on the prosecutors' probe below...

Marine investigator James Wilkes has been speaking to Sky News after this morning's press conference.

"Naturally, there are more questions than there are substantive answers at the moment - that's the nature of investigative work.

"Something forced that yacht to roll beyond its nominal stability limits, such that it wasn't able to right itself with the ingress of a certain amount of seawater that was coming into the yacht. 

"So the investigators are going to ask themselves one initial question - what must the conditions have been for this to happen? 

"Then they are going to look at the contributing factors to the yacht, sinking, and, and the unfortunate loss of life." 

Prosecutors said this morning that the future of the investigation is reliant on recovering the wreck. 

Mr Wilkes said the yacht is a "major piece of physical evidence in and of itself." 

"It's lying at 50 metres, which is a recoverable depth. 

"If it was significantly deeper, then I'm not sure they'd be considering salvage at this stage or certainly, the salvage question would be a lot more complicated to answer. 

"But if there was the ability to raise that yacht in one piece safely, then it gives the investigators physically more to look at."

Mr Wilkes said he was unsure if the yacht would have a "black box" - called a voyage data recorder in shipping. 

"It would record things like GPS position, heading speed, engine telemetry, whether the radars were on, what they were recording, alarms, communications from the yacht itself, any audio on the bridge.

"But more often than not, these are on merchant ships. The yacht was a commercial yacht in the sense that it could be chartered out so it's quite possible it has a voyage data recorder on, but I'm not sure that it does. I don't know that as a matter of fact," he said.

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Reporting from London

The diamond was so large that it obscured the face of Botswana’s president as he held it up for closer inspection on Thursday.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi grinned as he lifted the diamond, a 2,492-carat stone that is the biggest diamond unearthed in more than a century and the second-largest ever found, according to the Vancouver-based mining operator Lucara, which owns the mine where it was found.

This exceptional discovery could bring back the luster of the natural diamond mining industry, mining companies and experts say.

The diamond was discovered in the same relatively small mine in northeastern Botswana that has produced several of the largest such stones in living memory. Such gemstones typically surface as a result of volcanic activity.

“All of the stars aligned with that volcanic eruption, and the conditions were just perfect,” said Paul Zimnisky, an independent analyst in the diamond industry.

The rough diamond is large enough to fill an adult holder’s palm, and weighs more than a pound, but its value is still unclear. The valuation process could take months, Mr. Zimnisky said.

Still, the diamond will likely sell in the range of tens of millions of dollars, he added. The discovery is likely to be a boost not only for the diamond industry, but also Botswana, whose economy is heavily reliant on the export of diamonds.

“The big diamonds sell the small diamonds,” Mr. Zimnisky said.

Such whopping stones are no longer once-in-a-lifetime finds thanks to evolving technology. Lucara spotted an opportunity in Botswana when it dug up large quantities of small but coarse stones that looked like “chewed glass,” said William Lamb, the company’s chief executive. It was a hint that larger diamonds were probably being crushed in the retrieval process.

“A diamond is hard and you can’t scratch it, but it’s actually very easy to break,” Mr. Lamb said.

The company has made finding larger gems its objective, pushing for higher revenues over volume, Mr. Lamb said, holding up a resin copy of one his earlier trophies: a stone about a quarter the size of his business card.

Advanced X-ray technology, along with a more refined grinding process to separate precious gems from slabs of rock, have allowed Lucara to set and break multiple records for unearthing large gems. In 2015, the company discovered a 1,109-carat diamond, and in 2019, it found a 1,758-carat black diamond . The latest discovery is its largest yet, and second only to the Cullinan diamond, the world’s largest diamond find, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905.

The Cullinan was given to the British royal family and cut into nine separate stones, some of which form part of the crown jewels.

The latest discovery will likely be sold and cut into smaller gems and become part of the collection of a luxury brand, as Lucara’s previous two large finds were.

The diamond industry has been weathering a volatile few years recently, having had to compete with such technological threats as lab-produced diamonds. For a country like Botswana, those threats are particularly acute, since diamonds account for 80 percent of the country’s exports .

The supply of lab-produced diamonds has multiplied 10 times over since 2018, according to a recent report published by consulting group BCG. Retailers have been drawn to the higher profit margins produced by manufactured rather than mined gems, while consumers are attracted by larger, clearer cuts that come at lower prices, the report said.

The Lucara mining company, though, is undeterred, and continues to dig in hopes of finding the largest diamond yet.

“We believe that we can eclipse the Cullinan,” Mr. Lamb said.

An earlier version of this article misstated the weight of the diamond in pounds. It weighs a little more than a pound, not more than a pound and a half.

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Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel

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