A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, 13 November, at Marina Zeas in Piraeus, Greece, destroying four yachts — including the 43.07-metre Overmarine yacht Sanctuary.
🔥 The Incident
According to AIS data and local reports, the fire began at approximately 03:00 local time onboard a wooden sailing yacht believed to be operating tourist routes between Piraeus and Aegina.
The flames quickly spread to neighbouring yachts moored nearby, among them Sanctuary. Despite the swift and coordinated response of the Hellenic Fire Service and Coast Guard, all four vessels were ultimately lost and sank within the marina during firefighting operations.
🚢 Nearby Vessels Evacuated
Several large yachts — including the 82.5-metre Emir (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), the 63-metre Artisan (Benetti), the 60-metre Ora (CMN Yacht Division), the 50-metre Zia (Ortona Navi), and the 49.95-metre I Nova (Cosmo Explorer) — were seen departing the area to prevent further damage.
⚓ Damage and Investigation
Photographs from the scene show charred hulls partially submerged, with heavy damage to pontoons and surrounding infrastructure. The identities of the other three destroyed yachts have not yet been confirmed.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries have been reported. The marina remains partially closed as recovery and environmental assessment continue.
🛥️ About Sanctuary
Delivered in 2018 as part of the Mangusta Oceano 43 series, Sanctuary features interior and exterior design by Alberto Mancini Yacht Design and naval architecture by Overmarine. The yacht could accommodate 12 guests across five staterooms and seven crew members, featuring a foredeck swimming pool and a contemporary beach club with direct access to the sea.
⚠️ Ongoing Developments
As the investigation unfolds, Greek maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in marinas and the risks inherent to tightly packed berths in popular yachting destinations.
