Shoe shiner turned billionaire Dennis Washington’s $200 million superyacht Attessa IV is a 300 feet long art deco-styled marvel with Gucci chairs, a one-of-a-kind chandelier, a spectacular spa, and a helipad.
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Questions abound about Prowler vs. Attessa IV collision
One confirmed dead in open ocean crash; could something like this happen again?
SAN DIEGO — The weekend leading up to Halloween was met with a freaky collision off the San Diego coast, as a sportfisher and superyacht reportedly became entangled on Oct. 26. Several passengers had to be rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and at least one person died, according to news reports and unnamed sources.
Several publications and online message boards have revealed the basic facts: Prowler , a 65-foot sportfisher, and Attessa IV , a 332-foot superyacht, were involved in an open ocean collision on the American side of the U.S.-Mexico maritime border, about 9 miles west of Imperial Beach. The area where both boats collided is relatively busy with boats, as many vessels navigate through this stretch of the Pacific Ocean en route to Mexico, several sources confirmed with The Log .
Attessa IV is a 332-foot yacht owned by businessman Dennis Washington. The superyacht has a swimming pool, helipad, Jacuzzi, cinema, beauty salon and 10 guest cabins.
Prowler ’s starboard quarter was heavily damaged, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune .
Collision Chatter: The Conditions
Bloody Decks, the popular fishing website, featured an extended conversation about the two-vessel collision on its online discussion forum. Some questioned whether radar or Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) could have prevented the collision.
“The whole right side of the Prowler got wiped out,” one person who was aboard Prowler wrote on the Bloody Decks forum thread. “I’m amazed that it is still floating. We are on board the Attessa IV now as guest. They are giving us a ride back to land.”
The Coast Guard confirmed it was at the scene on the evening of Oct. 26 and rescued 17 people. A Coast Guard press release stated the agency’s San Diego sector received word of the collision at 7:50 p.m., meaning the collision likely happened after sunset. Coast Guard officials stated the cause of the collision is still under investigation.
Many have been asking how such a collision could happen, in the first place, even factoring time of day (dusk to evening). “It’s been very, very foggy the past few days here,” one person on the Bloody Decks discussion board stated.
The combination of nighttime navigation, fog and boats regularly using the route to navigate from San Diego to Mexico means everyone should be on alert, no matter how close or far you are offshore.
Technology … and Being at the Helm
A post on the Bloody Decks discussion board about the Prowler vs. Attessa IV collision by Michael E. Bingham pondered whether the person at the helm of one of the boats wasn’t paying attention to what was in front (or around) them.
“It goes to show you no matter how good your radar and electronics are shit happens,” Bingham wrote. “It’s very easy to track a boats path with the cursor on the radars, I’ve done it on mine many times. Hate to say it but it takes two, boats do not appear at the last second, as any skipper knows track what’s around you to prevent this.
“It’ll be interesting to see who was on the helm of both boats,” Bingham continued.
Another discussion board poster tried to visually explain what happened, without pointing fingers at who would be at fault.
“Prowler was ‘struck’ on the Starboard side. No thrusters on the Prowler , it can only go forward or backwards, not sideways. Obviously returning to Seaforth to turnaround for the day and a half, their bow was pointed north, Steve K. wrote. “The yacht, headed out to sea, no doubt headed west or southwest. Just diagram that on paper or just in your head. Who ‘ran into’ who remains to be seen. We’ll see how the investigation turns out.”
Someone named Rick speculated both boats would likely be at fault; he added many lessons could be learned from the collision.
“Both boats are almost certainly at fault. But regardless of legal fault, everyone should be concerned about how to prevent collisions at sea, especially when the other boat isn’t following the rules. And an accident like this could be avoided through routine use of AIS and ARPA collision avoidance alarms,” Rick, who posted as MYNomad, stated. “No good reason not to have them set when offshore, but in congested areas, the alarm is constantly going off. That’s when good watches are especially important. The fact that Prowler got hit on its starboard side means it may well have been the give-way vessel.”
Waiting Game
A few people questioned whether Prowler had its AIS on, but one poster urged everyone to be patient until the Coast Guard report was released.
“Lost of suppositions going on here. Let’s wait for the full report. Lots of possible causes,” Steve Francis said on the Bloody Decks discussion board. “And you can’t rule out a possible mechanical/electronic system failure on either vessel.”
Yet another discussion board poster said many sportfishing vessels have AIS installed but turn them off in order to keep their locations secret.
“Most, if not all sportys turn their units off, gotta keep their locations secret. That shit needs to change,” Charlie Gordon wrote on Bloody Decks.
What role human error played in this incident probably won’t be known until investigation of this collision is completed.
An AIS Class A device is required for any self-propelled vessel, measuring 65 feet or longer, engaged in a commercial service. Prowler measured 65 feet in length and, with more than one dozen passengers aboard for sportfishing, was engaged in commercial activity.
Someone launched a GoFundMe page for Capt. Andrew Viola, in response to the collision; Prowler was helmed by Viola.
“Due to a recent accident at sea a dear friend lost his boat. Let’s show our love for a great man and family in these tough times,” the fundraiser’s creator said on the GoFundMe page.
The campaign, which had a goal of $50,000, raised $43,601 as of Nov. 8.
Looking Ahead
The Log will continue to report on the Prowler vs. Attessa IV collision as pertinent information becomes available – including the Coast Guard’s reported findings.
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11 thoughts on “ Questions abound about Prowler vs. Attessa IV collision ”
How could thid happen? Reserve Captain(s) at the helm(s) – careless seamanship. Even if Prowler at fault – the Billionaire owner’s insurance co will settle. Far deeper pockets than the Prowler. With a Death – HUGE potential liability. From one who used to [ractice Maritime Law – loooong ago.
From the GoFundMe page was this comment: “What about the man that died? You should give money to their family. My husband was on that boat and I heard of the negligence. No radar on. Captain getting soup while the 2 nd captain was laying down. The radar was off. A man died they saw him die . His brain was coming out of his head. His family deserves that money for their negligence. This is ridiculous.”
Not exactly the official version but certainly sounds plausible.
Basic rule for ships and boaters is having a lookout on duty at all times to watch for other vessels or obstructions. That doesn’t mean looking at a screen it means looking out on the water at all times for other vessels.
I must assume that the person on watch on both vessels are to blame. Being on watch is the most important thing one can do on a vessel as you are responsible for others lives. Falling asleep is NOT an option. Playing video games or texting is NOT an option. Stay alert, pay attention and check your radar for oncoming vessels. The obvious conclusion is that both persons on watch were sleeping. How does this happen otherwise?? Lessons such as what happened here are learned the hard way. There are no excuses. Don’t even bother making one up!
Hugs and prayers for the man who died, and for all his family. Having been on fishing trips in different types of weather, I think the speed of each craft needs to be discovered. Visibility and time to maneuver could be important.
““It goes to show you no matter how good your radar and electronics are shit happens,” Bingham wrote.”
You have got to be kidding me. Have some respect for the family. “S*$t Happens” is no excuse for a collision between two vessels and loss of life. This is the worst article I’ve ever read. There is absolutely no fact. Its based on a website forum and a bunch of arm chair sailors. As with any collision, both vessels will be found at fault to some extent. Rest assured the USCG/NTSB will do a through investigation and the truth will come out. In the mean time, quit making up or inferring what may or may not of happened.
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Everybody is missing the point. The prowler was hit on the starboard side, it was the giveaway vessel everyone forgets that even in the fog and without radar fog signaling shall be used, lookouts shall be maintained and slow speed be used. No one on ether vessel is free of blame since both vessels were not following the rules , otherwise one of them would have had time to take evasive actions, or no one was qualified to be at the helm on ether vessel
I am a licensed captain and in school they teach that you must do everything possible to avoid collisions even if you are the stand on vessel or give way vessel. I wasn’t there so I don’t know the circumstances, however I have been on the Prowler. If the megayacht was approaching the prowler and had a watch on the bridge that could have changed course. As a Captain, changing course to avoid a situation is always necessary. Also speed has a factor. If any vessel was operating faster than conditions dictated in a fog situation. If it’s dense fog, maybe 5 knots should be top speed. The megayacht was in a hurry to get to Cabo for the Extreme Sailing races that were taking place in Cabo San Lucas because the Owner’s daughter of the yacht was a participant. The investigation is ongoing and we will hear the outcome
The owner doesn’t have a daughter, not hard to find that out!!! Pays to know the facts and then you won’t feel like a dick
I love boats. My cousins is a master on his boat and I feel care free when I am on there. I would imagine the people on both boats involved felt the way I do. This is a grim reminder of never letting your guard down. I wish the best for all involved.
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'Super yacht' Attessa IV involved in fatal collision at sea
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This story has been amended since first posting.
A luxury superyacht rebuilt several years ago in North Vancouver for the billionaire owner of Washington Marine Group has been involved in a fatal collision at sea near to San Diego.
The collision happened off the west coast on the evening of Oct. 26, about 14 kilometres from San Diego near the United States-Mexico border.
The U.S. Coast Guard received a call from the Attessa IV about 7:45 p.m. advising the 332-foot yacht had collided with a 65-foot sports fishing charter boat, Prowler, and that “Prowler sustained some pretty significant damage to its rear starboard quarter,” said Joel Guzman, public affairs spokesman for the San Diego Coast Guard station.
The Coast Guard launched a Jayhawk helicopter, 45-foot medium response boat and the Coast Guard cutter Sea Otter to the crash site and arrived on scene about 8:45 p.m. where 17 people from the sports fishing charter boat were taken on to the coast guard vessel. Three people were injured, including one man who had critical head injuries, said Guzman.
He was airlifted by helicopter to shore and taken to hospital.
The San Diego medical examiner’s office confirmed 66-year-old Richard Neff of San Clemente later died of those injuries.
Guzman said an investigation is now underway to determine why the ships collided, which includes speaking to everyone on board both vessels at the time of the crash. The investigation could take several months, said Guzman.
There is no word on who was among the 28 people on board the yacht at the time of the collision.
Records of ships’ movements show the Attessa IV in North Vancouver July 8. It later travelled down the west coast arriving in San Diego Oct. 15.
The yacht left San Diego following the crash and is now in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Attessa IV, which is registered in the Cayman Islands, is one of the largest privately owned yachts in the world. It was bought in 2007 by Dennis Washington, a U.S. billionaire whose network of companies includes Washington Marine Group and Seaspan Shipyards in North Vancouver, where Kyle Washington, Dennis Washington’s son, is executive chairman.
The mega yacht was extensively rebuilt in a three-year project by Washington Yachting Group in North Vancouver, in the same shed where the three ill-fated Pacificat fast ferries were put together by shipyard workers in the 1990s.
The luxury yacht, which has been featured in a number of yachting and lifestyle magazine articles, features its own on-board helicopter and landing pad, spa, gym and pool, and opulent guest quarters including sculptures by Henry Moore and a hanging glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.
Editor's note: This story has been amended to reflect that the Attessa IV was in North Vancouver July 8, but did not leave North Vancouver on that date.
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The current position of ATTESSA IV is at North West Atlantic Ocean reported 14 mins ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to WEST PALM BEACH, FL , and expected to arrive there on Aug 7, 17:00 . The vessel ATTESSA IV (IMO 9179830, MMSI 319630000) is a Yacht built in 1999 (25 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands .
Position & Voyage Data
| Predicted ETA | - |
| Distance / Time | - |
| Course / Speed | |
| Current draught | 4.8 m |
| Navigation Status | Moored |
| Position received | |
| IMO / MMSI | 9179830 / 319630000 |
| Callsign | ZCTB7 |
| Flag | Cayman Islands |
| Length / Beam | 102 / 13 m |
Map position & Weather
Recent port calls, vessel particulars.
| IMO number | 9179830 |
| Vessel Name | ATTESSA IV |
| Ship Type | Yacht |
| Flag | Cayman Islands |
| Year of Build | 1999 |
| Length Overall | 101.00 |
| Length BP | |
| Beam | 12.84 |
| Draught | |
| Depth |
| Gross Tonnage | 2864 |
| 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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COMMENTS
He is the owner of the motor yacht Attessa IV, which was built as Evergreen for the founder of the Evergreen Shipping Company.. The motor yacht Attessa IV was originally built as Evergreen for Chang Yu-fa. He is the chairman of the Evergreen Shipping Line. She was delivered in 1999 to a design by Diana Yacht Design.In 2007 Chang Ya-fa sold his luxury yacht to billionaire Dennis Washington.
2016. June. 6. Shelley Holmes wondered who owns the luxurious navy blue and white mystery yacht anchored out in San Diego's harbor north of the Maritime Museum.It's the 332-foot Attessa IV ...
In 2012, Bill Gates enjoyed a family holiday onboard Attessa IV in Belize. However, the yacht also made headlines in October 2018 when it was involved in a collision with a sports fishing boat near San Diego, resulting in extensive damage and a tragic fatality. Owner and Other Yachts
The high-end motor yacht Attessa IV, which is valued at $150 million and owned by billionaire businessman Dennis Washington, has been nestled in San Diego, attracting mixed reviews from observers ...
Via Charterworld Attessa IV is a truly family boat, revamped to suit every guest with every possible comfort and no room for boredom. The ship, powered by twin diesel Wartsila (12V 32E) 6,595hp engines, cruises at 18 knots, with a top speed of 25 knots. Image- Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Dennis Washington is the definition of a yacht enthusiast-A person who loves boats is called a ...
Among his most storied: Julie Andrews' former yacht, another one later featured in the Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell movie Overboard, and his Attessa IV, on which he probably spent a quarter of a ...
Attessa IV is a 332-foot yacht owned by businessman Dennis Washington. The superyacht has a swimming pool, helipad, Jacuzzi, cinema, beauty salon and 10 guest cabins. Prowler's starboard quarter was heavily damaged, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Collision Chatter: The Conditions
"The yacht owner who wants to sit on the deck with a margarita and wave at his friends, those aren't the owners we get. ... Attessa IV also made a big splash here, mooring in San Diego Bay ...
Washington also owns a private estate on Stuart Island, British Columbia, including a fishing lodge and golf course. The Washington-Grizzly Stadium for football at the University of Montana is named for him. [7] His private yacht Attessa IV has been featured in Forbes magazine. [8] He has a Boeing Business Jet, 737-700 registration N162WC. [9]
The yacht left San Diego following the crash and is now in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Attessa IV, which is registered in the Cayman Islands, is one of the largest privately owned yachts in the world.
The world of luxury yachts introduces us to the AV Yacht, formerly known as Palladium.This stunning vessel is a creation of Blohm and Voss, renowned for building masterpieces that gracefully traverse the seas.Designed by the famed UK-based Michael Leach Design, AV soars in both speed and style, boasting a top speed of 19 knots.. Key Takeaways. The AV Yacht, formerly known as Palladium, is an ...
The current position of ATTESSA IV is at North America West Coast reported 4 mins ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to PV MX, sailing at a speed of 0.1 knots and expected to arrive there on Jun 5, 13:00.The vessel ATTESSA IV (IMO 9179830, MMSI 319630000) is a Yacht built in 1999 (25 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands.
The Attessa returned to San Diego with 10 passengers, the Coast Guard said. A Coast Guard official said Thursday the investigation could take six months to a year to complete.
The United States Coast Guard said the 65-foot fishing boat collided with a 332-foot mega yacht, the Attessa IV, just after 7 pm Friday. Ngo immediately woke up from his nap and ran up to the top ...
Attessa IV's owner is a construction and mining tycoon whose wealth is estimated by Forbes to be $5 billion. Washington purchased the yacht, then measuring 300 feet, from a Taiwan shipping ...
In the latest such instance, billionaire Dennis Washington 's 332-foot Attessa IV collided with a 65-foot commercial fishing boat operated by Prowler Fishing Company, nine miles off the shore of ...
Billionaire's 150,000,000 Mega Yacht Attessa IV Helicopter landing platform San Diego.This is a 150 million dollar yacht from American billionaire Dennis Was...
A further €10,000,000 price drop has been announced on the 101.2-metre superyacht Attessa IV, listed with Merle Wood of Merle Wood & Associates, who said the owner has purchased his next yacht.. Originally built in Japan, the steel-hulled yacht was totally rebuilt in Vancouver, Canada, over four years by Washington Yachting Group (WYG) and completed in 2010.
The 332-foot Attessa IV, formerly known as the 298-foot Evergreen, is for sale with an asking price of $164 million. Courtesy Merle Woods & Associates. Merle Wood & Associates has listed the 332-foot Attessa IV for sale at an asking price of more than $164 million. It's a yacht with a storied history as one of the most significant rebuilds ever undertaken in the global yachting community.
Length 68.6m. Year1998. Attessa. 1998. |. Motor Yacht. Attessa (ex Aviva, Lady Aviva) was custom built in 1998 by Feadship. After a fire left the yacht with significant damage, Attessa underwent a major refit project in 2005 to be reborn as a completely different vessel. Highly acclaimed for the outstanding work behind her transformation ...
Who is the Owner of the yacht AV? Dennis Washington is the owner. See Washington's full profile here! The yacht was built as Palladium for Mikhail Prokhorov. ... Washington's new yacht ATTESSA V. He is the owner of the luxury yacht AV. He also owns ATTESSA IV. Previous Next. 1 2 3 4.
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In 2012, ਬਿਲ ਗੇਟਸ enjoyed a family holiday onboard Attessa IV in Belize. However, the yacht also made headlines in October 2018 when it was involved in a collision with a sports fishing boat near San Diego, resulting in extensive damage and a tragic fatality. Owner and Other Yachts