Is there a recent increase in yachting accidents? In a special edition of the BOAT International podcast, Katia Damborsky talked with Michelle Van der Merwe, superyacht account manager at Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, about a rise in yachting disasters.
Van der Merwe suggests that while fires, collisions, and sinkings appear to be on the rise, social media may be amplifying the perception of the problem. Factors such as the aging fleet and new propulsion technologies, including the potential connection between lithium-ion batteries and fires, may be contributing to the increase. She also highlights challenges faced by regulators and insurers in assessing risks posed by new technologies.
Climate change-related adverse weather and overcrowding at marinas are also factors affecting yachting safety. Van der Merwe acknowledges efforts to improve safety through new regulations and crew manning standards.
Major yachting losses often result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause, according to Van der Merwe.
Is 2024 a particularly bad year for yachting accidents?
The loss of the 56-meter Bayesian stands out as a recent serious yachting incident. However, data from BOATPro indicates a trend of increased fires, collisions, and sinkings in recent years.
As of 2024, 12 yachts have been destroyed, the highest number in a decade. However, the year has seen a total of 18 accidents and losses combined, which is fewer than both 2023 and 2022. The year 2021 saw the lowest number of boating accidents, likely due to Covid-related restrictions impacting yacht cruising.
Yachting accidents since 2014:
2024: Destroyed: 12 Accident: 6 Total: 18
2023: Destroyed: 10 Accident: 10 Total: 20
2022: Destroyed: 9 Accident: 13 Total: 22
2021: Destroyed: 8 Accident: 4 Total: 12
2020: Destroyed: 7 Accident: 10 Total: 17
2019: Destroyed: 5 Accident: 15 Total: 20
2018: Destroyed: 4 Accident: 8 Total: 12
2017: Destroyed: 6 Accident: 2 Total: 8
2016: Destroyed: 6 Accident: 5 Total: 11
2015: Destroyed: 6 Accident: 4 Total: 10
2014: Destroyed: 3 Accident: 1 Total: 4
A 27-meter motor yacht sank off the coast of Corsica in August. Several yachts have suffered accidents in 2024.