A luxury superyacht named H&CO crashed into rocks near Elafonisos, Greece, on February 11 amid stormy conditions. The vessel, valued at over $10 million, suffered a mechanical failure and broke apart, but no injuries occurred. The incident highlights risks from unpredictable weather in the region.
The Ferretti-built superyacht H&CO, delivered in 2022 and flying the French flag, ran aground on February 11 in rough seas off the coast of Elafonisos, a small island in southern Greece. According to reports from Boat International, the nearly 100-foot vessel was taking on water due to a mechanical failure before it struck the rocky shoreline and disintegrated. It had been listed for sale at 8.6 million euros, equivalent to about $10.1 million, and featured modern interiors with space for 10 guests in five cabins, designed for relaxation and adventure.
Video footage captured by an onlooker showed the dramatic wreckage, which quickly spread across social media. One Facebook user questioned the decision to navigate in such conditions, commenting, '[What] was it doing out there?' Another remarked, 'Perfect storm,' underscoring the hazardous weather. No crew or passengers were harmed, a detail confirmed by Boat International.
The crash occurred during increasingly erratic weather patterns, though sources note that not every storm can be directly linked to climate change. However, emissions from superyachts and similar luxury vessels contribute to global warming, which heightens the frequency of extreme weather events, as explained by NASA. An Oxfam International report points out that the world's 50 wealthiest individuals generate more air pollution through their investments, private jets, and yachts in under two hours than an average person does over a lifetime.
While some high-profile figures, such as Bill Gates, are exploring eco-friendly alternatives like hydrogen-powered yachts, the incident with H&CO serves as a reminder of the environmental and safety challenges posed by such vessels. The cause of the mechanical issue remains under investigation by authorities.