On July 27, 2024, about 1235 local time, the yacht Lovebug was transiting the Chesapeake Bay in the West River north of Shady Side, Maryland, when the vessel started listing heavily to starboard. The four crewmembers and one owner on board abandoned the vessel and were rescued by nearby vessel crews. The yacht partially sank in about 12 feet of water. There was one minor injury. An oil sheen, visible around the vessel, was contained with a boom. Damage to the vessel was estimated at $8 million.
We determined that the probable cause of the listing and partial sinking of the yacht Lovebug was undetected flooding through an open watertight door, resulting in the vessel losing stability.
