The 49 metre sailing yacht Eleonora E has foundered after being hit by a 60 metre offshore supply vessel in Port Tárraco, Tarragona, Spain.
The yacht was moored when the collision took place. A major salvage operation has been underway to rescue the schooner, but according to eyewitness reports, she was completely submerged within thirty minutes of the collision.
The incident took place at 8.15am local time. The port authorities report that the supply vessel was attempting to manoeuvre when its engines became blocked while reversing. It hit Eleonora E on the starboard side, just aft of midships, while she was berthed in an area of water between four to five metres deep.
Local authorities report that containment barriers have been installed to prevent possible fuel leaks. No injuries have been reported.
The yacht was delivered in 2000 by Dutch yard Van der Graaf. She is a replica of the classic 1910 schooner Westward.
