Brand new $1M superyacht 'Dolce Vento' sinks immediately after launching for the first time

A luxury yacht valued at nearly $1 million sank into the Black Sea just 15 minutes after setting sail on its maiden voyage in Turkey, forcing the owner and crew to leap into the water to save themselves.

The 85-foot vessel, named Dolce Vento, had only just been launched off the coast of Zonguldak’s Ereğli district in northern Turkey on Tuesday when disaster struck. Amateur video captured the dramatic scene as the yacht glided into the sea, then abruptly tilted to one side before slowly submerging beneath the waves.

The sleek craft, reportedly worth around $940,000, had been delivered to its owner from Istanbul and was embarking on its very first voyage when it capsized, the New York Post reports.

According to local reports, the yacht’s owner, captain, and two crew members were onboard when it began to sink. All four were forced to jump into the sea and swim for safety. Fortunately, none sustained injuries.

The Turkish Coast Guard and port teams responded swiftly, racing to the scene and establishing a security perimeter around the sinking boat. Officials later confirmed that no one was trapped on board.

Authorities said the exact cause of the accident remains unclear. Shipyard officials have launched a full investigation, with technical inspections planned to determine whether a mechanical failure, structural defect, or other issue was to blame.

Such incidents are rare but not unheard of in Turkey, a country with a thriving yacht-building industry that caters to wealthy local and international buyers. The sinking of a brand-new vessel of such high value has drawn widespread attention and raised questions about safety standards.

Footage of Dolce Vento’s final moments quickly spread across social media, where shocked users compared the accident to scenes from a disaster film. Some commenters speculated about poor workmanship, with one person writing: "Looks like someone forgot to put some kind of plug in the hull or some lamination failed. Seen it before. Whatever is was it was a serious mistake. Better there than 40 miles offshore."

Others expressed sympathy for the yacht’s devastated owner, who watched helplessly as his multi-million-lira investment disappeared beneath the waves.

The sinking comes just weeks after another dramatic maritime rescue. In New York’s Sheepshead Bay, an NYPD Harbor Unit team had to rescue 11 passengers from a fishing boat that began sinking at night near Pier 1. All were brought to safety without injury, per ABC7 New York.

While both incidents ended without fatalities, they serve as reminders of the risks associated with maritime travel, even for luxury yachts designed to symbolize comfort and security.

Credit: X.

Turkey has become one of the world’s leading producers of custom yachts, rivaling builders in Italy and the Netherlands. Turkish shipyards, particularly those based in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya, are known for delivering state-of-the-art vessels at competitive prices.

The industry has boomed over the past decade, with Turkey now ranked among the top five countries worldwide for yacht construction, per Daily Sabah. Wealthy buyers from Europe, the Middle East, and even the United States frequently turn to Turkish shipbuilders for bespoke superyachts that combine modern design with traditional craftsmanship.

Incidents like the Dolce Vento sinking are highly unusual and could trigger closer scrutiny of safety and inspection protocols in the sector. However, experts say the overall reputation of Turkish yacht builders remains strong, with many projects earning international awards.

Featured image credit: X.