Authorities have successfully refloated and removed the 37.8-meter motor yacht Lovebug from Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA. The yacht took on water and ran aground in the West River last month (on July 27) and had been partially submerged ever since.
Salvage operations were scheduled to begin on August 13, but faced some delays due to 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. from New York and New Jersey is leading the salvage operation. As a vessel without power, Lovebug is being towed alongside a 60.9-meter crane barge named Farrell 256 for safety.
Lovebug and Farrell 256
Credit: Captain Alan Roe
Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region
According to BOATPro, Lovebug was heading to Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, when the incident occurred.
A statement released by the US Coast Guard shortly after the incident confirmed that “there [were] no reports of pollution at this time,” with an oil boom deployed around the vessel to mitigate any potential spills. There has yet to be an update on any pollution that may have resulted from Lovebug remaining submerged.
“The five individuals on board were safely rescued by a good Samaritan and a tow boat,” the statement continued. “The vessel is not obstructing the navigational channel.”
Built in 2010 under the name Anastasia M, Lovebug has been designed both inside and out by the Italian studio Francesco Paszkowski Design. The superyacht has changed ownership several times and was most recently sold in 2021, with a last known asking price of $7,995,000. It was also a regular on the yacht charter circuit.
Features of the yacht include a sundeck equipped with a small swimming pool, bar, and sunpads. Accommodation is available for 11 guests and seven crew members.
The cause of the incident remains unknown.
BOAT International will provide updates on the story as it develops.