Luxury Yacht Sinks Minutes After Launch Off Turkey Coast

A luxury yacht named Dolce Vento sank off the coast of Zonguldak in northern Turkey just 15 minutes after its maiden voyage, forcing the owner, captain, and two crew members to jump overboard and swim to safety without injury. The approximately 24 to 30-meter vessel, valued at around $940,000, was built at the Med Yilmaz Shipyard and recently delivered from Istanbul. Dramatic footage captured the yacht tilting to one side before capsizing and sinking, prompting a swift response from coast guard and port teams who established a security perimeter and began recovery efforts. Shipyard officials have launched an investigation into the cause, with experts pointing to potential stability problems, such as errors in metacentric height calculations, as common factors in such incidents. This event underscores the risks luxury yachts can face shortly after launch, highlighting the importance of thorough technical inspections and safety measures. The incident has drawn attention to maritime safety following similar recent mishaps involving boats requiring emergency rescues.