The remnants of the 47-meter Heesen yacht Atina are set to be recovered by the end of the month, as stated by Ugo Piras from the maritime directorate of Olbia.
On August 11, Atina sank approximately 300 meters off the coast of Olbia in Sardinia, Italy, after a fire erupted in the stern. Dramatic footage captured by the Olbia Coast Guard depicts the flames spreading until the superyacht is completely engulfed, leading to her listing and eventual sinking.
The Olbia Fire Brigade collaborated with the Olbia Coast Guard to extinguish the blaze, starting at 8 PM local time. Eight individuals were on board and were successfully evacuated, with authorities confirming their safety.
The yacht’s recovery follows an operation that removed 33,000 liters of fuel and 18 batteries that were onboard at the time, completed on August 30. Piras also informed BOAT International that the defueling process caused “a small leak” from a pipe that was damaged in the fire, but it was quickly addressed on site.
No other pollutants have been reported. Anti-pollution pads have been deployed at the scene, and a prohibition order for the area has been issued.
Credit: Dutch Sailing Family
Atina was delivered by the Dutch shipyard in 2008 and won a Neptune award at the World Superyacht Awards the following year.
She has sailed under several names, including Elandess, Raasta, and Naseem. The superyacht was most recently sold in 2021 for a last known asking price of €16,250,000. Atina then underwent an extensive multi-month refit at Turkish shipyard FDC Yachts to prepare her for charter.
The most notable change was the redesign of the sundeck, which now features a larger pool situated in front of the new navigation mast, a Teppanyaki grill, and a sizable bar that can accommodate up to 12 guests for gatherings or sporting events.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Maritime Authority of Olbia.
BOAT International will provide updates on the story as it develops.