The number of fires, collisions and sinkings seems to be on the rise. According to BOATPro, 19 superyachts were either involved in an incident or completely destroyed, with factors such as new technologies, adverse weather and the increasing age of the fleet potentially to blame for the sudden spike.
BOAT unpacks some of the year's biggest accidents...
1. 105m Lady Moura involved in collision with Steve Jobs' former superyacht
When?
22 July
What happened?
The 104.6-metre Lady Moura was involved in a collision with the 78.2-metre superyacht Venus. The now-viral footage, taken by Lady Moura's owner, showed the accident taking place as both yachts battled a "sudden, violent squall" with winds of 50-55 knots.
Representatives from both parties came forward to give official statements to BOAT International.
2. 31m Wally sailing yacht washed ashore following storm in Formentera, Spain
When?
14 August
What happened?
The 30.5-metre Wally sailing yacht Wally Love ran aground following a storm on the Spanish island of Formentera. Footage taken by a bystander showed the yacht out of the water and listing on her starboard side close to shore. Several other sailing yachts were also grounded alongside her.
The State Meteorological Agency informed the public of a "strong destabilisation of the atmosphere" the day prior.
3. 47m Heesen superyacht Atina sinks following devastating fire in Olbia, Italy
When?
11 August
What happened?
The 47-metre Heesen yacht Atina sank approximately 300 metres from the coast of Olbia in Sardinia, Italy following a fire that broke out in the stern. Dramatic footage taken by the Olbia Coast Guard showed the flames spread until the superyacht was entirely engulfed. She then began to list and sink.
The yacht has since been recovered and transported for demolition.
4. 90m Lürssen superyacht Ice collides into 31m Numarine yacht in Turkey
When?
30 August
What happened?
The 90.1-metre Lürssen superyacht Ice collided with the 31.1-metre Numarine yacht A.Mey in Yalıkavak, Turkey.
The footage acquired showed Ice's bow strike A.Mey with enough force to turn the yacht, causing extensive damage to her aft section.
5. 38m motor yacht Lovebug capsizes in Chesapeake Bay
When?
27 July
What happened?
The 37.8-metre Sanlorenzo yacht Lovebug foundered and listed in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, the United States. Local media stated that Lovebug was not involved in a collision, but began taking on water which led to the yacht becoming inoperable.
She remained partially sunk for over a month before she was refloated and removed.
6. 47m Admiral superyacht Ethos runs aground in Greece
When?
31 July
What happened?
The 46.6-metre Admiral motor yacht Ethos ran aground in Kefalonia, Greece. She was travelling to the smaller, neighbouring island of Ithaki when the incident occurred.
Footage indicated the yacht may have deliberately run aground to prevent from capsizing in open sea. The video showed her rapidly taking on water and listing on her starboard side.
7. 47m Perini Navi sailing yacht Tamarita runs aground in Greece
When?
12 July
What happened?
The 46.5-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Tamarita ran aground near the Greek island of Paxos following an encounter with a coral reef.
BOATPro shows that she is still marooned at the time of writing, though there have been attempts to salvage the vessel. Her current status is unknown.
8. 26m yacht Manta sinks in Corsica
When?
19 August
What happened?
A 26.2-metre Canados yacht called Manta sank off the coast of the French island of Corsica after striking a shallow reef and taking on water.
A total of 11 people were rescued, according to the local coastguard.
9. Crew of 54m charter yacht Persefoni I charged with arson after allegedly sparking forest blaze
When?
21 June
What happened?
The crew on board the 53.8-metre Mariotti charter yacht Persefoni I were accused of causing a wildfire to erupt on the Greek island of Hydra, destroying the island's only pine forest. The incident is believed to have been triggered by fireworks allegedly launched from the superyacht.
Greek judicial authorities have since jailed the captain and first officer, with eleven other crew members released on bail and with restrictions. The case is ongoing.
10. Fire sinks 31m vintage Broward Marine yacht The Admiral
When?
19 September
What happened?
The 30.5-metre Broward Marine yacht The Admiral sank following a fire while docked in Marina del Rey, California. Two people were on board at the time but were able to evacuate without injuries.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, though several firework explosions were documented by eyewitnesses.
11. Fire tears through busy marina and destroys several yachts in Piraeus, Greece
When?
1 August
What happened?
A fire tore through Zea Marina in Athens, Greece and destroyed three yachts, including the 42.3-metre Libra Y. The classic motor yacht was delivered by Picchiotti in 1977 and designed by industry legends Don Shead and Jon Bannenberg.
The incident began just after midnight local time, with eyewitnesses claiming the blaze began on one vessel and rapidly spread.