My Song loss: Shipping firm Peters & May releases statement

Chris Jefferies

The reputable shipping firm has explained the circumstances that led to the Baltic 130 Custom yacht My Song falling from a cargo ship on Sunday morning

The sailing community was shocked to hear of the loss of the Baltic 130 sailing yacht My Song, which fell from a cargo ship during a storm in the early hours of Sunday (May 26).

It is understood that the Nauta-designed sloop, which is owned by Italian businessman Pierluigi Loro Piana, was en route to Genoa from the Caribbean, with the aim of defending her title at next week’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.

“For anyone who loves the sea, his boat is like a second home, and it is as if my home has burnt down,” Loro Piana, told La Repubblica.

In response to widespread speculation about the circumstances that led to My Song’s loss, David Holley, CEO of Peters & May, the shipping company transporting her, described the incident as “more than regrettable”.

“A full investigation into the cause of the incident has been launched,” he added. “However the primary assessment is that the yacht’s cradle (owned and provided by the yacht, warrantied by the yacht for sea transport and assembled by the yacht’s crew) collapsed during the voyage from Palma to Genoa and subsequently resulted in the loss of My Song overboard.”

My-song-baltic-130-yacht-aft-view-credit-carlo-borlenghi

My Song was launched in 2016 by Baltic Yachts. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

The full statement from David Holley reads as follows: “This press release is in response to the on-going media speculation in reference to the loss of sailing yacht My Song in the Mediterranean.

“We would not normally comment on cargo incidents but given the high-profile nature of this yacht and the media interest we feel that we need to formally give some clarification. There are several individuals passing judgement on what may or may not have happened and we will attempt to offer some clarity, albeit at an early stage of the investigation.

“Our reputation is second to none and we will not have it tarnished by unqualified individuals passing judgement without facts in hand. I will add that I am disappointed that confidential photographs were leaked to the media.

“We were informed of the loss of a yacht from the deck of the MV Brattinsborg at approximately 0400hr LT on 26th May 2019. The yacht is sailing yacht My Song. Upon receipt of the news Peters & May instructed the captain of the MV Brattinsborg to attempt salvage whilst 3rd party salvors were appointed.

“The vessel maintained visual contact with My Song until the air and sea search was initiated. As of 0900hr BST on 28th May 2019 the salvage attempts are still on-going. To ensure the safety of the remaining yachts, Peters & May have instructed the carrying vessel to continue her planned voyage to Genoa. No other yachts have been affected by this incident.

“A full investigation into the cause of the incident has been launched, however the primary assessment is that the yacht’s cradle (owned and provided by the yacht, warrantied by the yacht for sea transport and assembled by the yacht’s crew) collapsed during the voyage from Palma to Genoa and subsequently resulted in the loss of My Song overboard. I will add that this is the initial assessment and is subject to confirmation in due course.

“As a leading yacht transporter for the past 40 years we take great pride in what we do and go above and beyond all standard operating procedures to ensure safe transit of all yachts carried by us. We have procedures in place to respond to this kind of incident, although we hope that they are never required.

“This incident is more than regrettable, however the transport of yachts on cargo vessels continues to be one of the safest and most cost-effective solutions when carried out by a reputable company such as Peters & May.

“More information will be made available in due course but in the meantime, I request that everyone respects the sensitivity of this issue to all parties concerned.”

UPDATE: On Friday May 31, Peters & May released a follow-up statement to confirm that a salvage operation is underway. MCS Marine Claim Services Germany has been appointed salvors and the plan is to tow My Song to Palma.

“Investigations into the cause of the incident remain ongoing and we will release further information once it is possible to do so,” the shipping firm added. “We can confirm that the yacht’s cradling system has been discharged and is undergoing inspection. We urge everyone to steer away from speculation and to respect the sensitivity of this issue.”