Striking video footage captured a brand-new luxury yacht sinking moments after its launch, compelling its crew to jump overboard.
Reports indicate that the recently launched $1 million, 85-foot cruiser, identified as Dolce Vento, commenced its journey on Tuesday in Ereğli, located in Zonguldak, a Turkish port city on the Black Sea.
The footage depicted the vessel being guided into the ocean along a beach track, subsequently listing precariously within 15 minutes of its deployment.
With onlookers observing, the yacht abruptly leaned to one side, tilting dangerously before it started to take on water.
A chaotic scene unfolded as individuals on board were compelled to clamber onto the inclining deck. As the vessel rapidly submerged, they were forced to plunge into the sea.
One segment of the video shows a man dressed in a dark suit positioned on the side of the vessel, moments before he sprang into the water.
The Turkish Coast Guard and port authorities reportedly deployed rapidly to the location, establishing a security perimeter around the overturned craft as it continued to submerge, according to reports.
TMZ reported that Med Yilmaz, a spokesperson for the shipyard where the yacht was launched, confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation.
Technical evaluations will be conducted to ascertain whether a construction defect, a stability problem, or human error contributed to the luxury vessel’s demise.
Digital made an inquiry with the Turkish Coast Guard for their official comment.