The M/T Tropic Breeze, a 160-foot tanker that was en-route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas has sunk after it was rear-ended by a 207-foot super yacht. The force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing it to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2000 feet.

Published 2 years ago

Maritime Management LLC, which manages the M/T Tropic Breeze said the product tanker departed New Providence Island in the Bahamas on December 24.  It was bound for Great Stirrup Cay, a 268-acre island in the Berry Islands chain which is owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line and used as a private port for beach parties from its cruise ships.

The collision with the super yacht Utopia IV apparently occurred at 22:03 p.m. on December 24,  approximately 15 miles NNW of New Providence Island according to a statement from Maritime Management.

Tropic Breeze Crew Rescued Safely

The statement said the crew of the Tropic Breeze were uninjured and were rescued and safely returned to a company-owned facility on shore.

Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, Maritime Management said the tanker could not be safely salvaged. The tanker’s cargo included LPG, Marine Gas and automotive gas, which are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air. 

The relevant Bahamian authorities have been notified and Maritime Management say they will continue to work with local and international maritime authorities and marine experts to ensure best outcomes with minimal environmental impact.

Watch for Pollution

Cruisers are advised to monitor the Bahamas Land and Sea Facebook page  for updates on any oil slicks and pollution in the area.

Maritime Management has expressed its sincere gratitude to Bahamian authorities for their support and assistance throughout the incident and are particularly grateful to the crew of the M/Y Mara who responded to the Tropic Breeze’s distress call and rescued all seven crew members on board the sinking tanker.

The Utopia IV is a high-powered yacht designed and built by Italy’s Rossinavi in 2018. The Italian designers report that the vessel is fitted with four light Rolls Royce engines as well as four hydro jets, that provide it with a top speed of 33 knots and an average cruising speed of 26 knots. It is unclear what the speed of the yacht was at the time of the collision and if it was operating with passengers on a charter. The yacht is reported to have returned to the dock after the accident with visible damage on its bow.

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Related News:

Gas Tanker Hit by Super Yacht (The Tribune – Bahamas)

M/T Tropic Breeze Struck by Super Yacht Utopia IV (PR Newswire)

Product Tanker Sinks in the Bahamas (The Maritime Executive)

Utopia IV Collides with Tanker (SuperYacht News)

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Related Links:

Bahamas Land and Sea Facebook page

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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