Essex Police marine unit saves storm-hit yacht in distress off coast of Clacton
- Essex Police
- Thursday 29 August 2024 at 4:51pm
A yachtsman rescued in heavy seas has praised a police marine unit for coming to his aid, saying: "I feel like my life has been saved."
Roy Harris and his partner Caroline Wilson were sailing back to the River Crouch from Kent on Sunday when a storm whipped up unexpectedly off the coast of Clacton.
With his yacht, the Samphire, damaged and taking on water, Mr Harris radioed for help to alert nearby boats and emergency services.
Sgt Alex Southgate, PC John Perry and special constable Scott Mccabe were nearby when they picked up the distress call and found the 40ft yacht near the Gunfleet Sands windfarm, four miles off Clacton.
“When Alex leapt onto the boat and said ‘You’re safe now’ it was such a comfort. I had been scared for my life," said Mr Harris
“The Essex Police Marine Unit turned up out of the blue – I wasn’t expecting them at all.
“The officers should be recognised for their bravery – they don’t just nick criminals, they save people’s lives.
“I can’t express my gratitude and appreciation enough. I feel like my life has been saved.”
“The Essex Police Marine Unit’s top priority is to keep members of our marine communities safe on land and water and a key part of our role is search and rescue," said Sgt Southgate.
“Thankfully, we were out on Operation Wave-Breaker patrols in the area that day and were able to locate Mr Harris and his partner in time.”
Operation Wave-Breaker runs from April to September each year and tackles anti-social behaviour and promotes water safety.
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Bilgin Yachts, a distinguished member of SYBAss, specializes in crafting superyachts ranging from 50 to 120 meters , boasting extensive expertise in the superyacht industry. As a thriving family enterprise, Bilgin operates across various facilities spanning a total area exceeding 79,450 square meters strategically located throughout Turkey.
With headquarters located in the West Istanbul Marina, Bilgin has facilities comprising manufacturing areas, a state-of-the-art marine furniture factory, a comprehensive mechanic, hydraulic, stainless-steel and upholstery workshop, all of which work closely until a project is ready for launch. Presently, our facilities are distributed as follows: Yalova: 40,000 sqm, accommodating five projects, including major plumbing and infrastructure projects; Marina Main Facility: Over 10,000 sqm, supplemented by new hangars spanning 8,000 sqm, Kucuk Cekmece Area 7,000 sqm; Furniture Factory 9,500 sqm, and the outfitting area in Antalya 4,950 sqm. Currently in Yalova, the builder is able to accommodate five projects (two units of 85-120m yachts and three units of 50-65m yachts) and also hold the major plumbing and infrastructure projects. In Istanbul, the outfitting capacity is five projects (three units of 70-90m yachts and two units of 50-65m yachts) simultaneously. Once the hull and superstructure are ready in Yalova, Bilgin arranges the technical launch and brings the hulls to the main headquarters in Istanbul where outfitting teams such as electrical, piping, mechanical, interior and fairing & painting teams work closely for further outfitting and finishing works until the project is ready for launch.
Upon completion of hulls and superstructures in Yalova, we orchestrate technical launches and transport the hulls to our Istanbul headquarters. There, our outfitting teams, including electrical, piping, mechanical, interior, and fairing & painting teams, meticulously carry out further outfitting and finishing works until the project is ready for launch.
Employing over 750 highly skilled craftsmen across our facilities, we also operate a marine stainless steel factory and a furniture factory. With our dedicated team and third-party collaborators, we possess the capability to undertake refit projects, provide after-sales services, and offer wintering services for megayachts.
At Bilgin Yachts, we prioritize eco-friendliness and sustainability throughout our processes, ensuring that green factors are integrated from project inception to launch. Our ultimate objective is to emerge as a leading global brand while consistently delivering time-sensitive multitasking services to our valued customers.
With our youthful yet highly organized team, expansive facilities, and unwavering commitment to quality, we aim to maintain our standards and value. Our comprehensive range of services extends beyond initial yacht construction to encompass after-sales support, yacht winterization, and maintenance, including refit processes tailored to older yachts.
FIVE FACILITIES ONE VISION
With over 700 highly-skilled craftspersons operating across our five facilities, Bilgin Yachts combines diverse areas of expertise to develop, build, modernize, refit, and maintain yachts. Our additional production facility at West Istanbul Marina, established in 2016, provides more space for refit projects, after-sales services, and wintering services for megayachts, complementing our robust building facilities.
Through these strategically located and specialized facilities, Bilgin Yachts maintains a recognized presence in the superyacht industry, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs that set new standards of luxury and performance.
Our headquarters and outfitting facility are located within the vibrant atmosphere of West Istanbul Marina, Istanbul, spanning 10,000 square meters. This includes newly added sheds covering 8,000 square meters, enhancing our capacity for meticulous craftsmanship and innovation. Here, we undertake outfitting for up to five projects simultaneously, including three units of 70 to 90-meter yachts and two units of 50 to 65-meter yachts. Our outfitting teams, comprising electrical, piping, mechanical, interior, and fairing & painting experts, work closely to ensure each project is completed to the highest standards.
OUTFITTING FACILTY
Our facility in the Antalya Free Zone spans 4,950 square meters, providing dedicated services for outfitting, refits, after-sales care, and wintering facilities. This location supports comprehensive client services, ensuring that each yacht receives meticulous care and attention throughout its lifecycle. The facility was announced in the summer of 2023, coinciding with the launch of our new 42m Kaşif.
HULL & SUPERSTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION FACILITY
In Yalova, we operate a sprawling 40,000 square meter facility specializing in crafting hulls and superstructures. This facility can accommodate five projects simultaneously, including two units of 85 to 120-meter yachts and three units of 50 to 65-meter yachts. Major plumbing and infrastructure works are also handled here. Once the hull and superstructure are ready, we arrange a technical launch and transport them to our main headquarters in Istanbul for further outfitting and finishing.
OUTFITTING & PRODUCTION FACILITY
Our state-of-the-art outfitting and production facility in Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, spans 7,000 square meters. This facility is where meticulous attention to detail brings our yachts to life, encompassing comprehensive outfitting processes and ensuring each vessel meets our exacting standards of quality and luxury.
MARINE FURNITURE FACTORY AND STAINLESS STEEL WORKSHOP
The Furniture and Marine Stainless Steel facility in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul, spans 9,500 square meters. Here, we specialize in crafting luxurious interiors and precision stainless steel components, elevating the onboard experience for our clients. This facility houses advanced manufacturing areas, a marine furniture factory, and workshops for mechanics, hydraulics, stainless steel, and upholstery.
Bilgin yachts is working on four projects lately: Bilgin 163, 243 and 263, 278. Designed in collaboration between Bilgin Design Team and the Unique Yacht Design, 50-meter Bilgin 163 is as trendy and spacious as her predecessors ex-Nerissa and ex-Lilium. Natural colors used in the living areas in combination with large windows and high-gloss materials in order to create contrast and to offer the feeling of autumn. With a six-cabin layout, the yacht is going to offer extensive living areas, 20 percent larger areas compared to 48m yachts by Bilgin.
On the other hand, the 74-meter project Bilgin 243 also has the signature of the Unique Yacht Design in her exterior areas and naval architecture. Thanks to her five six-deck layout, the superyacht will offer the yacht owner and their guests alternative living areas on deck. Besides a flybridge and extensive sunbathing areas, there will also be a lounge on the upper deck, a living room with a bar section on the bridge deck, and another living room with a 16-person dining table on the main deck. The owner will benefit from full privacy thanks to the large area devoted to the front part of the main deck.
The Bilgin 263 series, started with the splash of Tatiana, crowned the worldwide success of the shipyard. The second hull of 263 series -which is already sold- is planned to be launched in 2022. The third hull, the 80-meter Project Silence will offer 20% larger volume as well as various technical improvements, additional features for greater comfort and autonomy at sea. Built at Bilgin Yachts’ main facilities in Istanbul, the Project Silence (NB78) will be launched in 2023. One of the latest models of the shipyard is the 50m Bilgin 163 which will have more spacious living areas compared to 48m yachts of Bilgin. The first hull of two 50-meter yachts had her technical launch in March 2022 and will be delivered to her owner in 2023. Last but not least, the shipyard’s exciting big step is also for a 2,100 GT 85-meter yacht. The manufacturing process of this yacht has already started. All Bilgin yachts are built in compliance with IMO Tier III certification and ABS-class requirements, and are supposed to be the most environmentally friendly yachts in their own class.
BILGIN REFIT AND AFTER SALES
Bilgin Yachts offer their yacht owners the after-sales, yacht winterisation and maintenance services, while applying the Bilgin's spirit to older yachts through refit processes. With a well-designed customer support strategy and care of quality, Bilgin Yachts approach to each refıt project meticulously. Refit design and operational steps are all organized by the Bilgin Yachts Design Team. Major refit process takes place in the shipyard’s new facility within the West Istanbul Marina. Owners and crew can easily arrive at the marina and check the refit processes themselves.
THE SHIPYARD
Bilgin Yachts operates 4 shipyards covering almost 40.000 square-meters in the greater Istanbul area, with its headquarters based in Küçükçekmece. The Küçükçekmece facility is a 7.000 square-meter shipyard with the capacity to build 4 boats simultaneously. One of our hangars has the capacity to build 40-45 meter vessels, while we can build 2 boats up to 55 meters in the other one.
Also a portable hangar is available at this facility, in which we can build vessels up to 60 meters. We have two separate shipyards in Yalova counting 11.000sqm where we build our steel hulls, aluminium superstructures and do major plumbing and infrastructure works before launching them and toe to our new shipyard at the West Istanbul marina for outfitting and finishing. Our new shipyard consists of two 105m x 26m and two 85m x 28m hangars offices and uncovered area of almost 14.000sqm.
THE BILGIN TEAM
‘5 Generations of Craftsmanship’ Over 100 years, and through 5 generations, the family has maintained a respected reputation as master craftsmen in boat building. This legacy is alive and well, for it is the current Bilgin generation that has elevated Bilgin Yachts to its present stage on the upper echelon of motor yacht builders globally.
Values you can trust
Owning a boat is a lifetime journey, on which we become companions with our clients, staff, and suppliers. Companionship needs openness and honesty. And honesty is the core of the family values thatwe have preserved and carried into business.
Respect is a part of craftsmanship that we inherited from older generations. Together, led by a team of skilled managers, Bilgin prides itself on a workplace where everyone produces in harmony.
Bilgin means “wise” in Turkish language. In the light of this, Bilgin Yachts try to combine the wiseness of previous generations with the practicality of the youth. Believing in the power of knowledge, we hire professionals who use information to deliver excellence and good care of the knowledge.
Live Green, Save Green
Bilgin Yachts shipyard is a responsible member of the global community. We believe every human being has the responsibility to protect the world we are living on. So we, as the Bilgin team, contribute to human health and the environment at every stage of our production. Because it is the only way for a sustainable future.
Our Human Rights Policy
Bilgin Yachts employs more than 350 highly-skilled craftsmen including 27 project managers & engineers. Since many of our personnel have been with us for decades, the Bilgin Team has a rich mixture of both traditional and contemporary yacht construction methods. Bilgin Yachts indirectly employs more qualified specialists and technicians through our permanent subcontractors who represent ten percent of the production. In line with our commitment to excellence, we make sure only to work with the best and most trusted companies in the industry. Since we work with most of them for many years, they are more to us than third parties; they are part of the Bilgin family.
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Motor Yacht
A fantastic example of subtle exterior style, this 65 metre yacht was launched under the name of Pestifer before a new hull colour of deep blue with striking yellow lines running the length of her hull marked a change of identity. Now named Tanusha, this five-deck superyacht features naval architecture from De Voogt and interior style from the boards of Francois Zuretti.
Thanks to a beam of 12.30 metres, Tanusha can accommodate up to 10 guests in ample spaces imbued with luxury and comfort, with five en-suite cabins and one full width master suite. The contemporary exterior by Clifford Denn wraps around ample exterior spaces, such as large sun-deck and aft dining / lounging areas, providing the opportunity for dining or entertainment with unparalleled views.
The experience behind her design and construction, from owner to craftsman, has resulted in a yacht that offers lifestyle and comfort, even at a top speed of 16 knots. Tanusha also lends herself well to charter, given that the lifestyle on board is supported by a crew of 24 - all provided with space to live and work in ease.
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'I feel my life has been saved' after yacht rescue
A yachtsman who was "scared for [his] life" has praised the bravery of police officers after they came to his aid in heavy seas off Clacton in Essex.
Roy Harris and his partner Caroline Wilson were sailing back to the River Crouch from Kent on Sunday when a storm unexpectedly hit.
His yacht, the Samphire, took on water, its sail rope tore and Mr Harris radioed a PAN-PAN distress message to alert nearby boats and emergency services of an urgent problem.
The Essex Police Marine Unit said they located the 40ft-yacht near Gunfleet Sands off-shore windfarm, four miles off Clacton.
Sgt Alex Southgate, PC John Perry and special constable Scott McCabe were on Operation Wave-Breaker patrols when they picked up the distress call.
“When Alex leapt on to the boat, touched my arm and said ‘You’re safe now’, it was such a comfort. I had been scared for my life," Mr Harris said.
“The officers should be recognised for their bravery – they don’t just nick criminals, they save people’s lives.”
He said Sunday’s storm had not been forecast and he would not have set sail from the Isle of Sheppey earlier that day if it had been.
They had sailed between six and seven hours in good conditions but, when they turned into the Crouch, the jib sheet broke, the ropes tangled and water poured in.
“I became exhausted very quickly and sent a PAN-PAN. I didn’t want to call for assistance because the airwaves were busy, but I had no choice," Mr Harris added.
"The Essex Police Marine Unit turned up out of the blue.
"I wasn’t expecting them at all...I can’t express my gratitude and appreciation enough. I feel like my life has been saved."
Sgt Southgate said the large waves made the approach "particularly dangerous", but PC Perry’s skill and judgement enabled him to get to the yacht.
"Once we’d checked everything over, I was able to take control of the yacht and steer it to the safety of Brightlingsea Harbour...SC McCabe kept us in touch with Dover and our own control centre, which was vital."
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , Instagram and X .
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- HM Coastguard
Yacht, IMO 9862231
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The current position of BLUE is at Aegean Sea reported 7 mins ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to WAITING FOR ORDERS , sailing at a speed of 0.5 knots and expected to arrive there on Aug 19, 07:00 . The vessel BLUE (IMO 9862231, MMSI 319239400) is a Yacht built in 2022 (2 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands .
Position & Voyage Data
| Predicted ETA | - |
| Distance / Time | - |
| Course / Speed | |
| Current draught | 5.5 m |
| Navigation Status | Moored |
| Position received | |
| IMO / MMSI | 9862231 / 319239400 |
| Callsign | ZGQT3 |
| Flag | Cayman Islands |
| Length / Beam | 160 / 26 m |
Map position & Weather
Recent port calls, vessel particulars.
| IMO number | 9862231 |
| Vessel Name | BLUE |
| Ship Type | Yacht |
| Flag | Cayman Islands |
| Year of Build | 2022 |
| Length Overall | 160.00 |
| Length BP | - |
| Beam | 26.00 |
| Draught | - |
| Depth | - |
| Gross Tonnage | 14785 |
| Net Tonnage | - |
| Deadweight | - |
| TEU | - |
| Crude Oil | - |
| Gas ) | - |
| Grain ) | - |
| Bale ) | - |
| Ballast Water ) | - |
| Fresh Water ) | - |
| Builder | - |
| Place of Build | - |
| Hull | - |
| Material | - |
| Engine Builder | - |
| Engine Type | - |
| Engine Power | - |
| Fuel Type | - |
| Service Speed | - |
| Propeller | - |
| Registered Owner | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
The all-aluminum yacht comes in just below 500GT, with an open tender garage on the foredeck holding a 15ft tender and jet ski. This is hull No 3 of the GranSport 54 series, a sort of hybrid when it comes to its operational range, from displacement yacht (with a 4,500-nautical-mile range at 10 knots) to a fast one.
With his yacht, the Samphire, damaged and taking on water, Mr Harris radioed for help to alert nearby boats and emergency services. ... "The Essex Police Marine Unit turned up out of the blue ...
The Value of the Blue Yacht. The estimated value of Blue is a staggering $600 million. With annual running costs approximated at around $60 million, this extravagant price tag reflects the exceptional quality and luxury that the yacht embodies. Lürssen Yachts. Lürssen Yachts is a luxury yacht builder based in Bremen, Germany. The company was ...
The 80-meter Project Silence -to be delivered in 2023- will offer 20% larger volume as well as various technical improvements, additional features for greater comfort and autonomy at sea. The shipyard partners with Antalya-based Unique Yacht Design for naval architecture and exterior design, and H2 Yacht Design for the interior design and living areas as in the other hulls of the Bilgin 263 ...
Leona of Bilgin 263 series keeps getting awards and accolades, recently adding another prestigious honor to its collection. At The Design Et Al Elite Awards 2024, held on July 6, 2024, at the Grand Hotel Quisisana in Capri, Leona was honored in the Elite Design, Motor Yacht Over 40 Metres category.
The yacht's delivery is scheduled for the 2025, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey soon. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION. Launch name BILGIN 170-I. Current name BILGIN 170-I. Year 2026. Length 52m (163') Beam 9.25 m (30.34') Draught 2.60m (8'53) Fuel Capacity 55.000 lt. (14.938 US Gallons) Range
About Us. Bilgin Yachts, a distinguished member of SYBAss, specializes in crafting superyachts ranging from 50 to 120 meters, boasting extensive expertise in the superyacht industry. As a thriving family enterprise, Bilgin operates across various facilities spanning a total area exceeding 79,450 square meters strategically located throughout ...
Take 107.6-metre Benetti superyacht Zoza, by some way the most voluminous of Benetti's three 100m-plus launches last year; Lady Moura is two metres shorter but packs on 689GT more. For a historically relevant comparison, take the 103.8-metre Al Mabrukah, launched in 1982, at 4,633GT - that's a difference of nearly 2,000GT.
Following the launch of Tatiana in 2020, Bilgin Yachts took a big step into the world superyacht industry. The first unit of its 263 series has gained the title of being the largest private yacht ever been built in Turkey. The shipyard in October launched the second 80-meter 263, called Leona.Leona will begin sea trials off the coast of Istanbul during the last days of the year.
Length 65.0m. Year2009. Tanusha. 2009. |. Motor Yacht. A fantastic example of subtle exterior style, this 65 metre yacht was launched under the name of Pestifer before a new hull colour of deep blue with striking yellow lines running the length of her hull marked a change of identity. Now named Tanusha, this five-deck superyacht features naval ...
Formed in 2003, D-Marin's growing collection of premium full-service marinas has long flown the flag for maritime excellence. It counts D-Marin Dalmacija, the largest marina on the Croatian coast, and Greece's Zea Marina, capable of berthing superyachts up to 150 metres, within its global portfolio.But it's the company's unwavering devotion to client services that truly sets it apart.
Step on board the 162.5m Eclipse - the second largest superyacht in the world. Designer Terry Disdale talks us through the four and a half years, nine decks and 162.5 metres of the world's second largest superyacht. Terry Disdale didn't set out to design the biggest superyacht in the world. "No one ever said to me, 'I want a 160 metre ...
Second unit of 80-meter Bilgin 263, Leona: Like Tatiana but more exclusive and with bigger spaces. Bilgin Yachts celebrates the launch of the superyacht on October 26th 2022. Following the launch of Tatiana in 2020, Bilgin Yachts took a big step into the world superyacht industry. The first unit of 263 series has gained the title of being the ...
OVERVIEW. Bilgin Yachts has currently built three units of the 80-metre Bilgin 263 series. The first unit of the Bilgin 263 series, Tatiana -also named as NB75- was launched in February 2020. The second hull -which is already sold- is planned to be launched in 2021 and following that, the third hull of the model will be delivered to her owner ...
Instead, they bear submarine-like shapes extending deeper in the water that aid in buoyancy. Briefly, and importantly, SWATHs are super stable and super comfortable—and the case of the yacht Nurja, make for special superyachts. Previously, the 133-footer (nearly 41-meter) was the pioneering yacht Silver Cloud (below). The late Alexander ...
Blue is a motor yacht with a length of 160.0m. The yacht's builder is Lürssen from Germany who delivered superyacht Blue in 2022. The superyacht has a beam o...
His yacht, the Samphire, took on water, its sail rope tore and Mr Harris radioed a PAN-PAN distress message to alert nearby boats and emergency services of an urgent problem.
Build Updates In Pictures: The 160m Lürssen superyacht Blue launched. Written by Francesca Webster. Thu, 24 Feb 2022 | 08:00
The current position of BLUE is at East Mediterranean reported 20 mins ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to WAITING FOR ORDERS, sailing at a speed of 0.3 knots and expected to arrive there on Jul 18, 07:00 . The vessel BLUE (IMO 9862231, MMSI 319239400) is a Yacht built in 2022 (2 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands .
Bilgin Yachts has currently built three units of the 80-metre Bilgin 263 series. The first unit of the Bilgin 263 series, Tatiana -also named as NB75- was launched in February 2020. The second hull -which is already sold- is planned to be launched in 2021 and following that, the third hull of the model will be delivered to her owner in 2022.
BLUE is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen's own engineering specialists. The yacht also has an electric Azimuth Pod Drive, which in electric mode can be used separately, or when the PTI units are engaged, with the two propeller shafts. In order to generate less noise and vibration ...
The exterior design of the 80-metre yacht Leona, part of the 263 series from Bilgin Yachts, is sleek and sexy, with a dynamic hull form and a focus on eco-friendliness. The yacht, which was designed in partnership with Antalya-based Unique Yacht Design for naval architecture and exterior, has a steel-aluminum structure and weighs 1,755 groston.
2022. BEAM. 22.5 m. BLUE is a 160.6 m Motor Yacht, built in Germany by Lurssen and delivered in 2022. Her top speed is 20.0 kn and her power comes from four diesel electric engines. She has a gross tonnage of 14785.0 GT and a 22.5 m beam. She was designed by Terence Disdale, who also designed the interior. Terence Disdale has designed 41 yachts ...
The journey usually begins with a departure, but on Pure Energy, the excitement doesn't just ignite at Blue Haven Marina—it becomes a constant companion. Ant...