Mirabella V

[Paul D]

Latest News

 

MIRABELLA ON THE ROCKS

Report early Thursday:

 

Mirabella V, Joe Vittoria's 246ft Ron Holland-designed yacht launched

earlier this year is in trouble on the French Riviera.

 

The much-heralded super sloop, built by Vosper Thornycroft at Southampton,

UK, put out an emergency call at 1200 local today requesting assistance

from other vessels in the St Jean Cap Ferrat area. She had apparently run

onto rocks near the entrance to Beaulieu sur Mer harbour, having dragged

her anchor. Winds are reportedly Force 6-7 and Mirabella is on a lee

shore.

 

The 206ft explorer yacht Big Roi and Roman Abramovich's 282ft motor yacht

Ecstasea stood by Mirabella from 1300 and have been trying to get lines on

her. Big Roi has succeeded twice but on each case the tow has parted,

despite Mirabella also running her machinery to assist. On one of the

attempts a 40-tonne bollard was pulled out of Big Roi's aft deck.

 

Update Thursday evening:

Latest infomation is that the wind and sea state has dropped and Mirabella

V is sitting upright again. Hydraulic failure due to a problem with the

pipework had caused the keel to drop although it has been raised again. It

is not thought to be a contributing factor in the grounding. A tug is due

within two hours. The 206ft explorer yacht Big Roi and Roman Abramovich's

282ft motor yacht Ecstasea are standing by but not now actively involved

in attempting a tow.

 

Reports from John Walker in International Boat Industry:

http://www.ibinews.com

 

Statement issued by charter agent:

"Mirabella V was grounded in bad weather off Cap Ferrat at 1300 hrs.

today.

 

"All proper procedures are being carried out. An emergency call was made,

as is standard operation. Two motoryachts have been on standby to assist

the crew in stabilising the yacht. An ISM surveyor is now on board

overseeing the situation. A tug is currently on its way to tow the yacht.

 

"At this stage it is not known what damage has been caused to Mirabella V.

In this moment the yacht is holding up as well as can be expected and we

very much appreciate the support received from other yachts and our ISM

partner, V Ships.

 

"A further statement will be issued as soon as information becomes

available from the yacht."

 

http://mirabellayachts.com