The 26.9-metre motor yacht Principessa Matera has been destroyed following a fire off the coast of Capo Noli, Italy. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00pm on 6 November, prompting an emergency response from Italian rescue authorities.
According to reports, the alarm was raised shortly after the fire broke out, and all three people onboard were safely evacuated. The rescue operation was carried out by Italy’s national fire and rescue service, Vigili del Fuoco. No injuries have been reported.
Images released by the rescue team show the vessel almost completely destroyed, with the yacht burned down to the waterline. Recovery operations involved two rescue motorboats dispatched from Genoa and Savona, while aerial reconnaissance was conducted using a Drago helicopter to monitor the situation and assess the extent of the damage.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed and is currently under investigation by local authorities.
Principessa Matera belongs to the Leopard 27M series, a range of high-performance open motor yachts known for their sporty design and high speeds. Measuring just under 27 metres in length, the yacht featured exterior styling by Italian designer Paolo Caliari.
Key features of the Leopard 27M include spacious outdoor lounging areas with fixed sunpads on both the foredeck and aft deck, as well as accommodation for up to seven guests. The model is also known for its performance, with a reported top speed of around 35 knots.
While the yacht has been lost in the incident, the safe evacuation of those onboard ensured that the situation did not result in casualties. Authorities are expected to continue investigating the cause of the fire in the coming days.
