The rocky French coastline has struck again. According to VarMartin.com, on Saturday, August 8, the 31-meter Heesen M/Y Matanthar hit rocks near Toulon, France, creating a hole in the hull. In order to avoid sinking, the captain reportedly ran the yacht up onto the beach at the suggestion of the French Coastguard (Cross-Med), who closed off a section of la plage du Lido until the yacht could be towed.
Although the fuel tanks were not affected, the Cross-Med reported that blackwater has leaked through the hole onto the beach. Reports claim a private towing company is now involved and will shortly relocate the yacht to a La Ciotat boat yard for repair. Unfortunately, the beach is said to remain closed until the yacht has been moved and pollution cleaned up.
News
Yacht Beached After Hitting Rocks
10 August 2009 By Janine Ketterer
Photo: www.VarMatin.com