Salvage of 41m superyacht Sea Lady II begins in St Tropez

Authorities are in the process of refloating the 41.3-metre W.A. Souter & Sonsuperyacht Sea Lady II following her partial sinking in St Tropez. The lift is being conducted by Hebo-Lift 2, a salvage vessel famously known for assisting in the recovery of Bayesian, with the assistance of divers and lift bags from DUC Marine Group.

The salvage is expected to conclude before tomorrow, with Sea Lady II "likely to be scrapped", according to salvors.

Sea Lady II was badly damaged in a fire while docked in the French port last month (10 July) and has been partially sunk ever since. Data from BOATPro records Sea Lady II entering the port at 6:00pm, with the fire breaking out approximately two hours later, according to local reports.

Video footage shows the yacht engulfed in flames – the fire reportedly began in her bow before spreading to the lower decks – alongside billows of black smoke.

Authorities had difficulty boarding the yacht but did manage to bring the flames under control by midnight. Two crew members were evacuated and have been treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Delivered in 1986, Sea Lady II is the flagship of British yard W.A Souter & Son and sports an exterior by design veteran Don Shead. Leisure highlights include a semi-circular saloon bar, al fresco dining on the aft deck and a five-cabin configuration.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

BOAT International will update the story as it develops.