"No Reports of Pollution" from Part-Sunk 38m Motor Yacht Lovebug in Chesapeake Bay

By Dea Jusufi

A salvage plan is underway to rescue the 37.8-metre motor yacht Lovebug after she took on water and ran aground in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay this weekend (27 July). According to a statement by the US Coast Guard "there are no reports of pollution at this time", but an oil boom has been deployed around the vessel to mitigate any potential spills.

Local media reports that the Sanlorenzo yacht began taking on water and was deliberately run aground to prevent her from capsizing. She now lists on her starboard side in shallow water.

According to BOATPro, Lovebug is located near the mouth of the West River, roughly a half-mile offshore between Beverly Beach and Curtis Point, Maryland. She was bound for Annapolis – Maryland's capital city – when the incident occurred.

"The five persons on board were safely recovered by a good Samaritan and a tow boat," continued a statement from the U.S Coast Guard Sector for Maryland. "The vessel is not impeding the navigational channel."

Built in 2010 under the name Anastasia M, Lovebug is designed inside and out by Italian studio Francesco Paszkowski Design. The superyacht has changed hands several times and was most recently sold in 2021 at a last known asking price of $7,995,000. She was also a regular on the yacht charter circuit.

Features of the yacht include a sundeck that comes with a small swimming pool, bar and sunpads. Accommodation is for 11 guests and seven crew.

The extent of damage incurred is unknown.