'Most Innovative' yacht in mystery sinking

In this Greek Coast Guard photo released on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, a Greek air force helicopter flies over a half sunken 60-meter French-flagged yacht which suffered mechanical failure in gale-force winds off the coast of the Aegean island of Skyros, Greece. The coast guard said two Air Force helicopters and a Navy frigate, as well as coast guard vessels and four commercial ships headed to the assistance of the yacht, registered as Yogi, after its captain sent out a distress signal Friday morning SW

Yogi sinking - waiting for rescue © SW

Its oversized windows, glass skylights, main deck pool area and beach club, which won it accolades last year for its innovative features were not enough to keep it afloat. Yogi, the 60m superyacht which won the 'Most Innovative Yacht of the Year of 2011' has sunk off the island of Skyros in Greece.

Eight crew on board the luxury cruising yacht had a lucky escape today after a Greek helicopter rescued them from the sinking vessel.

While no real explanation for the sinking has yet been given, it is known that the French-flagged yacht was in gale-force winds and had lost engine power before the sinking, which appeared to be in deep water.

The crew had scrambled to the highest point on the yacht to await rescue as it flooded with water earlier this morning.

Yogi interior - sadly, no more © SW

Two Air Force helicopters and a Navy frigate, as well as coast guard vessels and four commercial ships headed to the assistance of the yacht after the captain sent out a distress signal Friday morning.

All eight of the people aboard were picked up by the helicopter and flown to safety nearby. The owner was not on board, and the yacht was not on a commercial charter at the time of the incident. The rescue was no doubt made easier by the small number of people on board - the yacht can cater for a total of 27.




See the dramatic footage taken from the helicopter of the rescue:

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