Authorities have successfully refloated and removed the 37.8-metre motor yacht Lovebug from Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, US. The yacht took on water and ran aground in the West River last month (27 July) and had remained partially sunk ever since.
Salvage works were slated to begin on 13 August but suffered some delays as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, which brought strong winds and tides to the area.
According to local reports, Lovebug is being towed to New Jersey, after which it will be transported to a shipyard along the Maurice River. There are three shipyards in the area: Dorchester Shipyard, Delaware Bay Shipbuilding Co., and Yank Marine LLC.
Donjon Marine Co. of New York and New Jersey is leading the salvage operation. As a vessel without power, Lovebug is being towed alongside a 60.9-metre crane barge called Farrell 256 for safety.
According to BOATPro, Lovebug was bound for Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, when the incident occurred.
A statement released by the US Coast Guard shortly after the incident occurred assured that "there [were] no reports of pollution at this time," with an oil boom deployed around the vessel to mitigate any potential spills. There is yet to be an update on any pollution that has resulted from Lovebug's remaining submerged.
"The five persons on board were safely recovered by a good Samaritan and a tow boat," continued the statement. "The vessel is not impeding the navigational channel."
Built in 2010 under the name Anastasia M, Lovebug is designed inside and out by Italian studio Francesco Paszkowski Design. The superyacht has changed hands several times and was most recently sold in 2021 at a last known asking price of $7,995,000. She was also a regular on the yacht charter circuit.
Features of the yacht include a sundeck that comes with a small swimming pool, bar and sunpads. Accommodation is for 11 guests and seven crew.
The cause of the incident is unknown.
BOAT International will update the story as it develops.