What remains of the 47-metre Heesen yacht Atina will be recovered by the end of the month, according to the maritime directorate of Olbia, Ugo Piras.
On 11 August, Atina sunk 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 shows the flames spread until the superyacht is entirely engulfed. She then begins to list and sink.
The Olbia Fire Brigade worked alongside the Olbia Coast Guard to tackle the blaze from 8pm local time. Eight people were on board but were evacuated and confirmed safe by authorities.
The recovery of the yacht follows an operation to remove the 33,000 litres of fuel and 18 batteries that were on board at the time, which was completed on 30 August. Piras also told BOAT International that the defueling process caused "a small leak" from a pipe compromised in the fire, but was promptly remediated on site.
No other pollutants were reported. Anti-pollution pads have been placed on the scene and an area prohibition order has been issued.
Atina was delivered by the Dutch shipyard in 2008 and won a Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards the following year.
She has sailed under many names, including Elandess, Raasta and Naseem. The superyacht was most recently sold in 2021 at a last known asking price of €16,250,000. Atina then underwent an extensive, multi-month refit with Turkish shipyard FDC Yachts to optimise her for charter.
Read More/First look inside 47m Heesen charter yacht Atina following major refit in 2022The most noteworthy change was the sundeck, which was redesigned with a larger pool set forward of the new navigation mast, a Teppanyaki grill and a large bar that could seat up to 12 guests for parties or sporting events.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Maritime Authority of Olbia.
BOAT International will update the story as it develops.