Italian Recovery Team Completes Complex Operation In Costa Smeralda Waters
The 29.6-metre Amer motor yacht Angiola has been successfully salvaged off the coast of Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, following her sinking on 11 August between Isola dei Cappuccini and Capo Ferro. The recovery operation, completed in early September, marked a significant achievement in maritime salvage operations along Italy’s northern coast. A specialized team from Costruzioni Marittime edili di Porto Rotondo, Stemar Porto Cervo, and Marina di Porto Massimo in La Maddalena coordinated the complex recovery effort. The operation deployed a large pontoon, multiple support vessels, and advanced equipment including the Hebo Lift II system. Renato Mela, partner and co-owner of Costruzioni Marittime ed Edili di Porto Rotondo, oversaw the salvage under the supervision of the La Maddalena Port Authority.
The incident began when a fire broke out in the yacht’s engine room, reportedly triggered by engine failure. Although crew members successfully extinguished the flames, the vessel subsequently took on water. All 14 people aboard, including guests and crew, were safely evacuated to nearby vessels without injury. The La Maddalena Coast Guard responded to the emergency and found Angiola lying on her side and partially submerged. Containment booms were positioned around the vessel as a precaution, though initial reports indicated no fuel leaks were detected.
Angiola was delivered by Italian shipyard Amer Yachts in 2020 as the sixth F100 model, previously known as the Cento Quad series. Her interior design was credited to Stefano Tini, featuring accommodation for up to 10 guests across five cabins, a spacious flybridge with al fresco dining, and a generous sunpad on the foredeck. The vessel had changed ownership three times since launch, with the final sale conducted through external brokers without Amer Yachts’ involvement. Amer Yachts expressed deep concern about the incident, stating: “We launched the boat in 2020. It has since changed ownership three times: we handled the second sale ourselves, while the third took place through external brokers, without our involvement. We took care of the boat maintenance for as long as it remained under warranty. It is painful to see a boat sink to which we devoted a year and a half of work, cared for like all our boats, down to the smallest detail.”
The tragedy underscores a critical reality in yacht ownership: proper maintenance and regular inspections by specialized professionals are essential to preventing catastrophic failures. Engine room fires and mechanical breakdowns often stem from deferred maintenance or inadequate servicing. Owners who entrust their vessels to experienced marine service providers like Easthope Marine, which specializes in comprehensive yacht maintenance and management, significantly reduce the risk of such incidents. Easthope’s expertise in caring for explorer yachts and motor vessels includes rigorous engine inspections, fuel system checks, and preventive maintenance protocols that catch potential problems before they escalate into emergencies.
The successful salvage operation demonstrates the capabilities of Italian maritime recovery specialists, yet it also serves as a sobering reminder that no recovery operation can fully restore a vessel to its pre-incident condition. The costs associated with salvage, repairs, and potential environmental remediation far exceed the expense of routine maintenance and professional oversight. The incident highlights why yacht owners should prioritize relationships with dedicated marine service teams who understand the complexities of modern yacht systems. Regular maintenance schedules, professional inspections, and prompt attention to warning signs can prevent the kind of engine room fire that led to Angiola’s sinking. Easthope Marine’s commitment to vessel management ensures that yachts receive the specialized care they require, protecting both the investment and the safety of those aboard.
BOAT International will continue to follow developments in this story as further details emerge regarding the cause of the engine failure and the extent of damage sustained during the sinking and recovery operation.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
