No, Mr Bond, I expect you to bye-bye: Superyacht named 007 that SANK after running aground off Greek beach sets sail after millionaire owner who ABANDONED it was threatened with mega fines
- The vessel was deserted off the coast of Greece last year after it capsized
- Greek authorities told the owner they had one month to resolve the situation
A 160ft James Bond-themed superyacht named 007 has set sail once more just months after it sank and was left abandoned by its millionaire owner.
The vessel – thought to be owned by a Swiss businessman but had been sailing under a British flag – was deserted off the coast of Greece after it capsized and was overturned.
Originally left just 49ft (15 metres) from the picturesque Kolona Bay on the island of Kythnos, the superyacht had remained in the water since the incident in September last year.
But after Greek authorities informed the owner, through a bailiff, that they had one month to resolve the situation and remove the boat from the stunning shoreline or face severe fines, the superyacht has been retrieved.
Now, after six months, 007 has been lifted from the sea and is ready to set sail again.
The James Bond-themed superyacht was finally lifted out of the sea on Kolona Bay, a narrow strip of land connecting Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas
Left just 49ft (15 metres) from the picturesque Kolona Bay on the island of Kythnos, the superyacht had remained there since the incident in September last year
The mayor of Kythnoi, Stamatis Garderis, who has been working to remove the sunken ship from the paradise, announced the vessel’s recovery.
He wrote on Facebook in Greek: ‘Ready to set sail. It’s a matter of hours before 007 is removed.’
He posted pictures of the superyacht being lifted out of the sea on Kolona beach, a narrow strip of land connecting Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas.
The island is not averse to extravagant vessels anchoring on its shoreline as it is a popular destination for yachts and boats.
The boat originally capsized after its GPS malfunctioned. It allegedly led the boat towards the shore before it started lifting heavily on the port side as water started pouring in.
In the September incident, the coast guard answered mayday calls and the five passengers on board were quickly rescued. The boat started sinking on the Friday evening, and by Saturday, the yacht was fully submerged.
The boat – fit for a member of His Majesty’s secret service – comes with the iconic 007 logo and gun, and its own helipad
The vessel was deserted off the coast of Greece after it capsized and was overturned
The mayor of Kythnoi, Stamatis Garderis, who has been working to remove the sunken ship from the paradise, announced the vessel’s recovery
The 007 can accommodate up to 10 passengers and five crew on board. It has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
The boat – fit for a member of His Majesty’s secret service – comes with the iconic 007 logo and gun, and its own helipad.
The superyacht was developed by Bodrum-based shipyard Aegean Yachts in 2006 and rescuers were able to contain it with a floating sea wall, limiting pollution.
It is the third largest yacht built by Aegean and it was last sold in 2012, according to Superyacht Times.
The vessel has a top speed of 12 knots and has five cabins including a master suite.