Billionaire's Superyacht Catches Fire and Sinks: 16 People Were On Board

Photo byJam Press Vid

According to news reports, a dramatic fire engulfed a $19 million superyacht on Saturday, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the waters of the Gulf of Olbia, Sardinia.

The incident, which occurred in a region often dubbed the "Billionaire's Playground," resulted in the complete loss of the 154-foot vessel.

All 16 individuals on board, including the yacht's owner, Turkish entrepreneur Serkan Borançılı, were safely evacuated thanks to the swift response of local fire departments and the Italian coast guard.

Borançılı is best known as a co-founder of the popular grocery delivery app, Getir.

Turkish entrepreneur Serkan BorançılıPhoto byGetir

"My partner and friend Serkan Borançılı, with whom we founded Getir, unfortunately had his boat burnt down in Italy for an unknown reason," Getir CEO Nazim Salur shared on social media. "The Borançılı family and crew are fine. Get well soon."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest it may have originated in the yacht's engine compartment.

The Atina, as the vessel was named, was a renowned luxury yacht, having won the World Superyacht Awards in 2009. It was sold in 2021 for a reported £14 million.

Despite the yacht's substantial fuel capacity of approximately 50,000 liters, local authorities reported no fuel spills in the aftermath of the incident. However, a cleanup operation was initiated to address any potential environmental impact.