Brit captain probed over marina smash

The British captain of a luxury yacht is being investigated after he left the engine running of a multi million pound yacht that then snapped its mooring ropes and went on the rampage through a top marina.

The bizarre maritime accident happened in the port of Hvar at the island of the same name in Croatia as the yacht tried to pull up close to the posh Carpe Diem lounge bar. The bar has seen visits by Roman Abramovich, Bernie Ecclestone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Princess Carolina and Prince Albert of Monaco, Gerard Depardieu and Steven Spielberg.

According to port officials that are investigating the boat had docked and been tied up but the British captain – not named – had forgotten to turn off the engine.

As a result the powerful engines of the 30-metre-long Virgin Islands flag yacht the “Kai” started to strain at the ropes that then snapped – sending the posh yacht powering off into the marina.

It hit five Italian, American and Croatian yachts and boats injuring two people and causing extensive damage, according to officials.

The two injured were mechanics aboard the American yacht Colonial Sun. They were transported into a hospital but no details were given of their injuries. They are both Croatian citizens.

The British captain had 11 crew members and 13 passengers aboard the Kai when the accident happened. The yacht sailing under a Virgin Islands flag is owned by the company Genu Marine Ventures.

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