M/Y Yogi Sinks off the coast of Greece

18.02.2012 – The Greek coast guard has rescued eight people from a 60-meter French-flagged yacht which suffered mechanical failure in gale-force winds off the coast of the Aegean island of Skyros.

The coast guard said two Air Force helicopters and a Navy frigate, as well as coast guard vessels and four commercial ships headed to the assistance of the yacht, registered as Yogi, after its captain sent out a distress signal Friday morning. The captain said the yacht was taking on water and he had ordered the ship to be abandoned.

Built by Proteksan Turquoise in 2011, the yacht was reported to be in difficulties this morning in the area between the islands of Skyros and Psara, 19 nautical miles off the coast.

A ‘mechanical failure’ has been blamed for the incident which happened in strong seas and Force 8 winds. No one was injured and all on board were rescued by the coastguard helicopter, and transferred to Skyros Health Center as a precautionay measure.