who owns awatea yacht

By SuperyachtNews 08 Jan 2018

M/Y Awatea's bright future

Hear from an owner and captain who are dedicated to decreasing their yacht's environmental footprint….

There have been many high profile news stories and campaigns surrounding the current state of our oceans. Plastic pollution is becoming a huge issue in many parts of the world, and many are looking to the maritime community to address this. In an attempt to alleviate the problem (and circumvent the bureaucratic issues faced by government-funded programmes), many individuals in yachting are pledging to combat the problems themselves.

The captain of 45m M/Y Awatea – named after the Maori term for ‘bright pathway’ –  is one such individual. Captain Micheal Duncker spoke to SuperyachtNews to share how he is actively working to minimise his vessel’s environmental impact. “Quite simply, it comes down to education and not being lazy,” he begins, explaining how he was inspired to actively address environmental issues after speaking to ocean advocate Emily Penn and fellow captains involved in the  Y.CO ‘Clearwater' campaign.

Captain Duncker stresses the importance of generating an open-minded culture on board when it comes to implementing changes (which includes reducing the amount of plastic straws and bottles used on board). “Nobody wants to be told off for what they are not doing, you see more results with encouragement of what they are trying to do. Empower each crew member and add a little incentive here and there.” The key for ensuring that any initiatives are achieved – on board a yacht or in any company ashore – is demonstrating the commitment to the cause by all members of the team. As Duncker (who took part in a discussion on the importance of crew in ocean conservation at The Superyacht Forum last November) explains, it is his role as captain to set the precedents for the behaviour of his crew. “With any programme on board, you have to maintain it and lead by example. Otherwise you can lose credibility and respect in your quest, which means you don’t succeed.”

“Nobody wants to be told off for what they are not doing, you see more results with encouragement of what they are trying to do. Empower each crew member and add a little incentive here and there.”

When asked about specifics, Duncker cites garbage management plans (GMP) as an effective tool to easily adjust the yacht’s environmental footprint. “Adapting, emphasising and building upon the GMP is important. It should not just be a regulatory document that people read once when signing onto the yacht, but as a go to for advice and help. As with all structures with a good foundation, with the correct application, it will work.”

Duncker suggests assigning each crew member a precise purpose or task within the programme, “We are giving each person on board individual roles to investigate what can be done in each of their departments and look to hold a monthly meeting to discuss changes and effectiveness. These meetings don’t have to be for long, but keep the conversation as an undercurrent in the crews’ lives, and the ideas flowing.” He also recommends to look at all aspects of the yacht’s lifecycle and management, from the chemicals the crew use, the methods of cleaning, the vendors that supply the yacht to the materials consumed. “The tools are there, it is about breaking the routine,” he says.

A huge part in the success of M/Y Awatea ’s campaign is as a result of the support from the vessel’s owner. Speaking via email, he explains why he is fully behind the change in routine aboard his yacht. “While [I have been] ocean conscious for many years, our focus has been sharpened since being introduced to the ‘Clearwater project’, through our business and personal relationship with Y.CO.” This corroborates the rhetoric of many environmental programmes: widespread education on the severity of the issue is fundamental to achieving any significant goals.

He continues: “While our waters are relatively healthy, we have to be forever diligent to ensure they stay that way. We must share our views and aspirations with other nations to ensure the world is aware of the importance of healthy oceans and the survival of the world as we know it.” Both owner and captain see this new approach as a long-term strategy for the vessel, which will shortly be embarking on a world-wide cruise. “Education plays a big part in this initiative and we will continue to support educational programmes. and use Awatea to carry this message as we circumnavigate the world,” the owner concludes.

“I am happy and proud to say it is something that I look to be a part of in the future,” adds Captain Duncker, “And I look forward to see how we can continue on this journey.” Happily, it would seem that M/Y Awatea is living up to her name by forging a brighter path for the yachting industry.

Images courtesy of M/Y Awatea

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AWATEA yacht NOT for charter*

45m  /  147'8 | hakvoort | 2008 / 2023.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• 2 Double/Twin
• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Full-beam master cabin with dressing room and study
• Impressive 4,600nm range
• Premium wellness facilities, including beach club and sauna
• Recent refit in 2023
• Two VIP cabins

The 45m/147'8" motor yacht 'Awatea' (ex. My Trust) was built by Hakvoort in the Netherlands at their Monnickendam shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design and she was completed in 2008. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Cor D. Rover Design and she was last refitted in 2023.

Guest Accommodation

Awatea has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 suites comprising two VIP cabins and two cabins that can operate as twins or doubles. The supremely spacious full beam master suite incorporates its own study and dressing room. She is also capable of carrying up to 9 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include sauna, beach club, deck jacuzzi, WiFi and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Awatea is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel Caterpillar (3508B DI-TA) 960hp engines running at 1600rpm, she comfortably cruises at 11 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots with a range of up to 4,600 nautical miles from her 71,223 litre fuel tanks at 11 knots. Her water tanks store around 15,662 Litres of fresh water. She was built to Lloyds Register ✠ 100 A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 ✠ LMC classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

*Charter Awatea Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Awatea is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Awatea Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Awatea Photos

Awatea Awards & Nominations

• The World Superyacht Awards 2009 Best Displacement Motor yacht of below 500GT (30m to approximately 49.9m) Finalist

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Awatea

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Yacht, IMO 1009326

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The current position of AWATEA is at North West Atlantic Ocean reported 9 mins ago by AIS. The vessel AWATEA (IMO 1009326, MMSI 319011900) is a Yacht built in 2008 (16 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands .

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AWATEA current position and history of port calls are received by AIS. Technical specifications, tonnages and management details are derived from VesselFinder database. The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of AWATEA data.

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Motor Yacht

Luxury motor yacht My Trust, built in 2008 by Dutch shipyard Hakvoort, is a modern tribute to an opulent outdoor lifestyle. With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, her naval architect is Diana Yacht Design while she features exterior design by Cor D. Rover and the interior work of Felix Buytendijk. This arresting vessel measures 45 metres and can accommodate up to 10 guests.

With a distinctive dark blue hull, My Trust creates an imposing picture with her sweeping line that extends from her stern to the very top of her superstructure. Her exterior finishes are rare for a yacht of her size, featuring details finished in teak veneer that only adds to the vessel’s warm ambience.

The luxury motor yacht’s bright and spacious aft deck offers a generous seating area complete with a sofa large enough to seat 10 and two large teak tables. Atop this sits the sundeck boasting a whirlpool tub for up to six people and liberal space for lounging in the sun. When the heat gets too much, there is even a 15-nozzle water-misting system that operates with the touch of a button. For entertaining there is an electric stainless grill and bar.

The superyacht’s impressive lazarette is more well-equipped then most, featuring air conditioning and a complete bathroom with shower. Here the garage houses a full range of watertoys, a dive compressor, tender and three PWCs. Also onboard are two Vespa scooters ready to be ridden ashore.

Drawing on the red, blue and white of the Dutch flag, the super yacht’s colour scheme is complemented by a distinctly nautical interior, somewhat resembling a traditional sailing yacht. The main saloon features a dry bar, and pop-up LCD screen alongside a dining area and, further forward, a galley and pantry. The bridge deck boasts its own lobby as well as a bar fashioned in the same way as a classic yacht club complete with beer taps and an espresso machine. The area also houses a lounge with sofas, games table and cinema.

Amongst her five cabins are an indulgent owner’s stateroom and four double guest staterooms. The owner’s suite is accessed via a large study and features a retractable LCD flat-screen TV, two-seat sofa, walk-in-wardrobe, and a private bathroom with shower, whirlpool bath, sauna and treadmill. The lower deck houses the four guest cabins each with en suite, hidden drop-down TV and Pullman bunk. An extra-luxurious feature is the remote-controlled system for the AV as well as cabin lighting, curtains and air conditioning. Crew accommodation is situated forward on the lower deck and consists of four double cabins with separate bathrooms, all of which open off the crew’s mess.

Featuring a dedicated crew, My Trust is an excellent charter yacht for luxury vacations. The yacht cruises comfortably at 11.3 knots while her crew of nine ensure the needs of every guest are met.

My Trust was built in compliance with MCA standards and to class with Lloyds. She is also the first superyacht from the Netherlands to be constructed under the new charter guidelines for Commercial Cruising Vessels (CCV).

She cruises the West Mediterranean during the summer charter season and the Caribbean during winter.

• Yacht Builder Hakvoort Shipyard No profile available
• Naval Architect Diana Yacht Design View profile
• Exterior Designer Cor D. Rover Design No profile available
• Interior Designer Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design No profile available

Yacht Specs

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Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Orcas Sink 50-Foot Yacht Off the Coast of Morocco

T he boat-ramming orcas are back in action: Two people had to be rescued from a sailing yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar after the black-and-white marine mammals damaged the vessel so badly it later sank, reporters Reuters ’ David Latona.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time Sunday, some 14 miles north of Cape Spartel in northern Morocco. Passengers aboard the 50-foot Alboran Cognac felt blows to the yacht’s hull and saw that the rudder had been damaged. As water began leaking onto the ship, they contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Tarifa, Spain, which directed them to prepare for an emergency rescue.

About an hour later, a nearby oil tanker picked up the two crew members, who were customers of Spain-based Alboran Charter , which owns the yacht, reports the Washington Post ’s Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff.

The boat took on more water and sank soon after. It’s not clear how many orcas targeted the vessel.

The sinking of the Alboran Cognac is the latest in a string of incidents involving orcas and ships in the Strait of Gibraltar. The highly intelligent, social marine mammals made headlines last spring , when they sank a Swiss yacht called Champagne off the coast of Spain. In November, they brought down another ship , a Polish sailing yacht called the Grazie Mamma .

But the animals’ unusual behavior goes back even further: Since 2020, mariners have reported 700 interactions between orcas and ships in the Strait of Gibraltar, per Reuters. The Alboran Cognac is the fifth vessel orcas have sunk in the last three years, reports Live Science ’s Harry Baker.

Most of the incidents have been recorded in the Strait of Gibraltar, a waterway linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The strait, which is bordered by Morocco to the south and by Spain to the north, is home to a distinct—and critically endangered —subpopulation of fewer than 50 orcas .

However, last June, orcas also rammed into a ship in the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, roughly 2,000 miles away from the Strait of Gibraltar. Scientists weren’t quite sure what to make of that incident, which raised the possibility that the destructive behavior was spreading to different groups of orcas.

In the meantime, authorities are urging mariners in the Strait of Gibraltar to exercise caution this summer. Spain’s Maritime Safety and Rescue Society recommends avoiding a large area between the Gulf of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar; the agency also suggests that mariners sail as close to the coast as possible, especially from May to August, when orcas are more likely to be in the region.

If sailors do encounter orcas, the agency recommends they keep the vessel moving and head toward shallower waters. People onboard the ship should remain in the middle of the vessel and not approach the sides, where they may be at risk of falling overboard.

The agency also asked mariners to notify authorities of any orca encounters and, if possible, to take photographs of the creatures for identification.

Scientists remain puzzled by the orcas’ destructive behavior. A leading hypothesis is that a female nicknamed “White Gladis” started ramming into ships after having some sort of traumatic run-in with a vessel; she may also have been pregnant when she first started targeting ships. Since orcas are social creatures, other members of White Gladis’ group may have simply followed her lead and mimicked her actions.

“The idea of revenge is a great story, but there’s no evidence for it,” said Lori Marino , a neuroscientist and the founder and president of the Whale Sanctuary Project, to BBC Newsbeat ’s Shaun Dacosta last year.

Another possibility is that the orcas are curious about ships, or maybe, they’re just having fun.

“They’re probably socializing, yucking it up with each other about their adventures without realizing the terror they’re creating in their moments of joy,” said Andrew Trites , a marine mammal researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada, to Business Insider ’s Erin Heger last summer.

Orcas have also been known to temporarily exhibit other unusual behaviors, like placing dead salmon atop their heads. The boat-ramming behavior may be another, similarly short-lived fad that the Strait of Gibraltar orcas will eventually move on from.

And they may already be doing just that: Between January and May 2024, the number of reported interactions with orcas was 65 percent lower than during the same period in 2023 and 40 percent lower than the average for those months across 2021, 2022 and 2023, according to the Atlantic Orca Working Group .

Whatever the orcas’ motivations, scientists have urged onlookers to avoid assigning human emotions to the animals’ behaviors. Though the boat-ramming killer whales have given rise to internet memes and merchandise that suggests they’re plotting an “ orca uprising ,” researchers argue that the marine mammals are not acting with malicious intent.

May 14, 2024

Orcas Just Sank Another Yacht

Orcas have once again attacked and sunk a boat near the Strait of Gibraltar, a behavior that has scientists stumped

By Andrea Thompson

Orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Patty Tse/Alamy Stock Photo

The orcas are at it again.

A group of the highly social marine mammals, also called killer whales, attacked and sank a 50-foot-long sailing yacht on Sunday, the New York Times reported . Two people had to be rescued from the waters near the Strait of Gibraltar.

The incident was yet another in a startling spate of such attacks by orcas ( Orcinus orca ) in the area since 2020—an apparently emerging phenomenon that has researchers stumped.

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“It is a rare behavior that has only been detected in this part of the world,” said Alfredo López, an orca researcher at the Atlantic Orca Working Group (GTOA), in an interview with Scientific American last year.

In the more than 500 cases GTOA has documented of orcas reacting to boats, most often the animals have only approached the vessels. In the fraction of reports that have included physical interactions, the orcas have usually bit at a vessel’s rudder. The attacks have usually lasted less than 30 minutes, but some have gone on for up to two hours.

So far there are two main hypotheses regarding the baffling behavior. One is that it is a fad, which orcas seem to engage in just like humans do. Orcas in one Pacific Northwest group famously spent the summer of 1987 sporting dead salmon on their head, for example.

The other is that the new trend stems from past negative experiences with boats, which can strike and severely harm marine animals. The Iberian orca population is critically endangered; migration routes put its members in the path of many fishing, military and recreational vessels. But researchers caution against attributing malicious intent to animals. Deborah Giles, science and research director of the Washington State–based nonprofit conservation organization Wild Orca, previously told Scientific American that orcas in the Pacific Northwest were relentlessly pursued by humans in the 1960s and 1970s—but never attacked people or boats.

Scientists are gaining a greater awareness and understanding of the these clever predators by studying not only the boat attacks (which GTOA has said have declined overall so far this year, compared with previous ones) but also other behaviors. The first recorded instance of a group of orcas killing a blue whale was observed in 2019, and single orcas have been documented killing great white sharks . Recent research has also suggested that orcas in the Pacific Northwest should actually be recognized as two different species versus part of a single global species. It is possible that other groups that are currently considered subpopulations of that one species are also separate ones.

Mediawan CEO Pierre-Antoine Capton on Breaking Barriers to Build One of Europe’s Biggest Independent Production Groups

International Visionary Award honoree Pierre-Antoine Capton reflects on journey to Mediawan CEO.

It’s little wonder why French president Emmanuel Macron was visibly moved as he inducted Mediawan CEO Pierre-Antoine Capton into France’s Legion of Honor last October, calling the exec “the ultimate French success story.”

In a country rarely known to promote social mobility, Capton-esque career trajectories are scarce. A self-made entrepreneur born into a middle-class Normandy family, Capton began his professional life as a teen with an entry-level internship,  eschewing elite universities, making the exec a rare bird among France’s top media execs. For all that, Capton remains more humble than flamboyant, letting his track record speak for itself.

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Following its recent acquisition of German production-distribution powerhouse Leonine (“The Lives of Others”), Mediawan is now worth more than €2 billion ($2.1 billion) and boasts an estimated annual revenue of $1.3 billion, encompassing more than 80 production labels around the world, including Brad Pitt’s Plan B, France’s On Entertainment (“Miraculous”), Chi-Fou-Mi (“Beating Hearts”) and Chapter 2 (“Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie”), Italy’s Palomar (“The Count of Monte Cristo”) and,  more recently,  the U.K.’s Misfits Entertainment (“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story”). 

While taking a hands-on approach and engineering high-profile acquisitions at Mediawan, Capton continues to lead Troisième Œil Prods., the vehicle he launched out of a modest office located in a parking lot back in 2001, that now produces some of France’s highest-rated talk shows, such as “C à vous.” 

“I’ve always been guided and passionate about content, and that focus has set Mediawan and my production companies apart. We’re not guided by finance nor investor-dictated strategies,” he tells Variety . Instead, the company is driven by “our taste for production,” he adds, wearing a black Celine sweater and his staple dark-framed glasses, sitting next to a white marble desk lined with souvenirs. Large bay windows reveal the Eiffel Tower, among other Paris landmarks, peaking in from the outside, while within.

Capton also surrounds himself with strong women. He works closely with Elisabeth d’Arvieu, who joined the company almost four years ago after working at Lagardere and StudioCanal, and now runs Mediawan Pictures, overseeing all the film, animation and international labels.

A hard-core indie TV producer, Capton says he “didn’t know much about finance and didn’t yet speak English” when Pigasse and Niel approached him to co-create and lead Mediawan in 2015. Yet, under his leadership, the group raised an initial $321 million by listing shares on the Euronext Paris stock exchange, and got U.S. investment firm KKR on board as its major backer four years later, during the pandemic. 

2015 marked a turning point for the French film and TV industry, with Netflix having just launched and Amazon’s Prime Video preparing to roll out. “As streamers were arriving in France, we had to seize the opportunity to produce high-quality content for our amazing producers, creators and auteurs,” says Capton, citing Florian Zeller as an inspiration. “When I was producing his plays, Florian shared his wish to direct his first film, and I realized that such a film from a French auteur would be complicated to finance within an international scope, even if that auteur was already the most celebrated playwright of his generation.” Both Zeller and star Anthony Hopkins would win Oscars for their work on 2020’s “The Father,” something that only fueled Capton’s hunger to “develop more grand international projects from Europe.” 

Capton’s tastes when it comes to spotting projects certainly manage to capture the zeitgeist. He says he owes this skill to his grandmother, who “raised him during an important part of [his] childhood.” 

“We’d watch American sitcoms and all sorts of shows. I learned to count with a show called ‘Des chiffres et des lettres.’ I traveled thanks to documentaries. I educated myself with television, with cinema and series,” he shares. 

No single program left a bigger impact than “Friends.” Adolescent obsession for the sitcom soon gave way to early-career intuition, when, as an 18-year-old intern decades before the binge-watching model, Capton thought to program a full season in a back-to-back, 24-episode bloc. “Some thought the idea bizarre, but it worked, and that’s how I got my first job at Canal+,” he says, pointing out the nice bit of symmetry that he now works with Plan B, an outfit co-created by “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston.

In some French circles, Capton’s “TV culture” has been perceived as not highbrow enough. But it’s something he says he’s “proud of,” asserting that his background and TV knowledge has led him “to build [his] company and meet wonderful people, and create Mediawan.” He also praises d’Arvieu for her “excellent taste.” But don’t expect Mediawan to start making trashy reality TV. “We don’t want to make anything we’d be ashamed of,” Capton says.

D’Arvieu says the common thread among all the companies under the Mediawan umbrella is a drive to be talent-centric. “All the producers we work with have this culture; they’re extraordinarily close to screenwriters and directors,” she says. “They work like artisans and artists.” 

Traveling to Los Angeles and across Europe on a monthly basis for the last few years, Capton has made powerful allies, including CAA’s CEO and co-chairman Bryan Lourd. Lourd appreciates the fact that Capton is not only a businessman, he also “loves creators and storytellers.” 

“It’s an unusual skill set in today’s world — that understanding of an artist’s temperament,” says Lourd, who also argues Capton stands out because he “didn’t come from a family, or money or any of that stuff.”

“It’s the most validating thing to know that someone is actually there because they want to be there, and they care, and they recognize other people and companies, too, that are scrappy, and like the self-made part of it,” he adds. CAA has worked with Mediawan in repping U.S. rights on Bille August’s series “The Count of Monte Cristo” as well as representing Plan B. Buying Plan B “really speaks to their tastes and [Capton’s] vision,” and a sign that they’re “playing the long game,” Lourd says.

“We knew from our first Zoom call that we wanted to tell stories together. We have common passions, values and aspirations,” he says, citing Plan B’s prestige pedigree with socially minded movies like “She Said,” recent box office hit “Bob Marley: One Love” and series “3 Body Problem,” as well as their love for auteurs such as Bong Joon-ho and Tim Burton whose latest films, “Mickey 17” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” respectively, were teased at CinemaCon.

Over at Plan B, longtime leaders Jeremy Kleiner and Dede Gardner claim both companies “have complementary taste and sensibility” and “both love finding the intersection of commercial and quality work.” The pair also say that Capton’s “background as an indie producer is invaluable,” because he has created an “ecosystem” that is “very focused on empowering and supporting independent producers — people who develop and make things in a particular way.”

Indeed, if there were any doubt over his valuing independence, Capton points to the fact he “refused to sell [his] company Troisieme Oeil Prods. three times.”

Maxime Saada, Canal+ Group’s chair and CEO, says that when Capton took the reins of Mediawan there was skepticism, with some assuming he’d be the “straw man” for Pigasse and Niel. “But what he’s achieved in very little time is impressive,” he says. “He’s the only French person in the world of media, TV and film that people abroad talk to me about. Even in Korea where I just traveled, they only know Mediawan.” Saada adds that Capton has “taken many daring bets on talents, has maneuvered complex personalities and egos, and has been able to get them to build lineups.” 

While the company will undoubtedly grow further in Europe and has plans to expand its footprint in Africa, the U.S. remains a key market. But Capton is determined to avoid pitfalls that derailed previous efforts by French outfits, such as EuropaCorp, that never gained a foothold in Hollywood. “Before we did anything, people said to me, ‘You’re going to fail, they’ll strip you off, look at all the French businesses that failed there!’ But honestly, we have the same frank discussions with U.S. studio bosses and agents as we do with our European partners, and we’ve yet to be stripped down and we haven’t lost money,” Capton says. “We don’t go there with [guns-blazing], and we don’t have a Mediawan office in L.A. yet. We just do our job the best we can.”

It’s also through sports that Capton says he’s met “players who are going to become partners in Mediawan,” teasing what should become yet another milestone partnership for the company.

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Authorities ID boat operator who fatally struck 15-year-old Ella Adler

By CBS Miami Team

Updated on: May 15, 2024 / 6:46 PM EDT / CBS/CNN

MIAMI - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the boat operator in connection to the death of 15-year-old Ella Adler, who was struck while water skiing in Biscayne Bay on Saturday.

Authorities say Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, of Coral Gables, was the boat's operator.

They say he was the only occupant of the vessel on that day, according to the one-page incident report.  

FWC24ON0038760_updated-2 by sergio.candido on Scribd

The boat was discovered behind a home in the Hammocks Oaks neighborhood in Coral Gables. Neighbors described the man who lives in the home as a family man and an experienced boater. They said he was devastated by what happened.

Rodney Barreto, the Chairman of the FWC,  said this about Ella's death, "It's touched our community in a way." 

"When you're 15 years old you don't expect to go out on a boat and not come home." 

The new preliminary FWC report says she had been on a boat with 12 other people and was being towed while on a wakeboard. 

Records show Alonso owns the house where the vessel was seized.

"The gentleman who was driving the boat who is cooperating with us is Mr. Alonso," said Barreto.

"We have some physical evidence that we have recovered that we have sent to our state lab for testing." 

Barreto says officers used witness descriptions to find the boat.

"It was good old-fashioned police work by our officers. 
We asked them to go up and down the canals from Coconut Grove to South Miami. They went up and down the canals with the physical description they had and recognized the boat." 

Batteto said there was no evidence pointing to reckless or drunk driving.

It's not known if the driver will be cited or charged.

"Our job is to gather information and present it to the State Attorney, so they can do their job." 

The loss of Ella Adler prompts this warning from Barreto: "Make sure you pay attention to the water and always look around because things can happen on the water and they can happen very quickly."

"We encourage people to use a lot of caution and go to boating safety schools." 

"Florida has the most registered boats in the country and Miami-Dade has the most registered boats than any county in Florida."

Ella, the granddaughter of US Ambassador to Belgium Michael M. Adler, was water skiing with friends Saturday near the Nixon Beach sandbar when she fell in the water while being towed and was struck by another boat. The operator of that boat never stopped.

An all out search was then launched to find the boat and driver.

On Wednesday, Florida Fish and Wildlife believed they had found it. 

"I am pleased to report that we have a vessel in custody that matches the description given by witnesses," said FWC's George Reynaud. "The boat is in our custody and the owner is cooperating with us."

On Monday morning, hundreds of people attended services for Adler at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach.

On Tuesday, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stopped by in person to offer her condolences and be with the family.

"We are honored that the First Lady paid a shiva call to our family during this time of immense pain. We are touched by their support and love and we are proud to call the President and First Lady our friends for over 40 years," according to a statement from the family.

Adler was a freshman at Ransom Everglades High School and a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet.

"We are heartbroken," Ransom Everglades posted on Facebook. "Ella Adler '27 shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. We wish peace and comfort to her family."

"We at Miami City Ballet and the Miami City Ballet School are utterly devastated by the heartbreaking news of this tragic accident," said the organization which described Adler as a beloved student and a magnificent dancer who graced their stage. "Our hearts go out to Ella's family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and adoring her. As we come together, we will profoundly grieve the loss of Ella, and hold dear the precious memories we were fortunate enough to create with her."

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Adler family at this difficult time," the US Embassy to Belgium said in a statement. "Out of respect for their privacy, we have nothing further."

Anyone who saw the accident or anyone who might have video footage or information about it is urged to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

The CBS Miami team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSMiami.com.

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