Annapolis, Maryland — A luxury yacht worth $8 million capsized near the mouth of the Rhode River on Saturday afternoon, prompting a swift multi-agency emergency response. The vessel, known as Lovebug, began taking on water unexpectedly, leading to a full abandonment by the crew just south of Annapolis.
At around 12:30 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard received a distress signal from the 122-foot motor yacht. The alert reported rapid flooding and a dangerous starboard list. Responders from the Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police were immediately dispatched to the area.
By the time authorities arrived, all individuals aboard had been safely evacuated with the help of a nearby private vessel. No injuries were reported.
First Responders on Scene
One of the first vessels to assist was captained by Trevor Hardman, the owner of Tour Boat Annapolis. Hardman played a critical role in the rescue.
“We heard the call over the radio as the boat was clearly in distress,” Hardman told Eye on Annapolis. “When we arrived, the crew had already evacuated, except for the captain. He was the last onboard and said he hadn’t hit anything—the water just started coming in fast. Alarms were blaring when we pulled him off.”
The Coast Guard confirmed that a good Samaritan vessel helped recover all crew members before the situation worsened. By late afternoon, Lovebug had listed approximately 70 degrees to starboard and was resting on the riverbed in shallow waters.
What Is the Yacht Lovebug?
Originally launched in 2010 and previously named Anastasia M, Lovebug is a high-end Italian-built superyacht measuring 122 feet in length. Designed for luxury charters, the vessel features elegant interiors, space for 11 guests and eight crew, zero-speed stabilizers for comfort at anchor, and premium amenities like a jet ski garage.
According to listings by Boat International, Lovebug was available for private charter at $125,000 per week and was frequently docked at the Annapolis Yacht Club. Her sleek lines and pristine exterior had made her a local favorite and a standout on Chesapeake Bay waters.
How Did the Incident Happen?
The precise cause of the flooding is still under investigation. However, early reports suggest that Lovebug began taking on water while in open waters near the Rhode River—a tidal estuary connected to the Chesapeake Bay. The captain reportedly navigated toward shallower waters in an effort to prevent the vessel from sinking completely.
The crew’s fast action in deploying the high-water alarms and initiating evacuation protocols likely prevented a tragic outcome. The yacht’s design and emergency preparedness systems, coupled with timely assistance from local boats, contributed to the safe evacuation.
Next Steps in the Investigation
With the vessel now partially submerged and grounded, salvage operations are expected to begin soon. Environmental assessments will likely follow, especially given the ecological sensitivity of the Rhode River area. Authorities are expected to examine whether there were any leaks of fuel or other materials hazardous to marine life.
The U.S. Coast Guard will coordinate with state agencies and marine salvage experts to determine whether the yacht can be refloated and repaired—or if it will be declared a total loss.
Community Reaction
The event sent shockwaves through Annapolis’s boating and yacht community. Many locals had seen Lovebug docked at the Annapolis Yacht Club and were familiar with its high-profile presence.
“This was one of the most impressive vessels around,” said a yacht broker in the area who asked not to be named. “Seeing it in this condition is heartbreaking—not just because of the value, but because of what it symbolized: high-end yachting on the Bay.”
Broader Safety Considerations
Incidents like this raise renewed attention on the importance of vessel maintenance and the unpredictable nature of marine operations—even in seemingly calm, protected waters like those near Annapolis.
While Lovebug was equipped with advanced stabilization and safety systems, catastrophic flooding can occur due to unseen hull damage, failed through-hull fittings, or mechanical malfunctions. Investigators will be looking closely at onboard logs, mechanical records, and structural integrity to piece together the full picture.
Conclusion
The sudden capsizing of Lovebug near Annapolis is a sobering reminder that even the most luxurious, well-built vessels are not immune to the forces of nature and mechanical failure. Thanks to swift action by the crew, good Samaritans, and local responders, no lives were lost.
As authorities begin their investigation and the community watches closely, the event will likely become a case study in both marine safety and rapid-response success.