The 1974 classic Benetti megaycht, Lady Candida, was completely destroyed by fire, on Saturday, before sinking off Pianotolli Caldarello, on Corsican coast. The 35 metre yacht had been chartered by a Monégasque family of 12, including 4 young children and there was a crew of five. All took to the lifeboats and were then picked up and taken to Pianottoli Caldarello.

The fire took several hours to bring under control but, at about 2100, the Marine Nationale anti-pollution vessel Ailette succeeded in getting a line on the Lady Candida’s bow and began to tow the yacht away from the Bouches de Bonafacio nature reserve. However, the yacht was already very low in the water, due to the amount of water that had been pumped onto the vessel during the fire fighting, and it suddenly heeled and began to sink about 4 nm south of the Bruzzi Isles.

The Lady Candida, which has sunk in about 70 metres of water, was carrying about 16,000 litres of diesel, but the Maritime Authorities say there is little danger of pollution. A light oil film appeared on the surface on Sunday, but was quickly disposed of by the Ailette.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but first indications are that it was accidental.

Marian Martin

Last Updated ( Monday, 30 July 2007 )