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Dramatic moment US billionaire’s £38m superyacht SINKS gas tanker after horror crash in The Bahamas

• Published : 16:06 ET, Dec 31 2021
• Updated : 17:15 ET, Dec 31 2021

THIS is the dramatic moment a US billionaire’s £38m superyacht sank a 160-foot gas tanker near the Bahamas.

Retail tycoon JR Ridinger's yacht, Utopia IV, rammed the tanker, the Tropic Breeze, off the coast of New Providence Island on Christmas Eve.

Images of the crash show the tanker falling towards the ocean floor and the crew members getting into life boats.

Maritime Management, which owns the Tropic Breeze, told the  Caribbean National Weekly : “The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet.”

They added that all “non-persistent materials”, such as liquefied petroleum gas, marine gas, and automotive gas, “are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air”.

Another superyacht , the Amara, passed the sinking ship and rescued the crew members.

It is unclear at what speed the Utopia was traveling when it struck the tanker.

“The Port Department has begun a formal investigation into the incident, and the Department of Environmental Health is also conducting a review of the environmental impact. These activities are currently underway,” the Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Housing said in a statement.

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The 207-foot Utopia IV was built in 2018 at the Italian shipyard Rossinavi and has engines from Rolls Royce to power it along.

It can host 12 sleeping guests, with the interior featuring brands such as Hermes and Armani. The owner’s quarters also have a jacuzzi and a pool with a glass bottom.

Maritime Management added in their statement that the tanker was inspected this month “and was found by the authorities to be fully compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards”.

“Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged,” they said.

It’s unclear if Mr Ridinger, the 65-year-old CEO of Market America and Shop.com, was on the yacht at the time of the crash.

Mr Ridinger and his wife Loren put their West Chelsea duplex apartment up for sale in July 2020, which was close to the parking space for their ship at Chelsea Piers.

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Retail tycoon JR Ridinger’s $51M super yacht SINKS gas tanker off the coast of the Bahamas after ramming it and piercing its hull

• A yacht belonging to Market America and  Shop.com CEO JR Ridinger collided with a gas tanker off the coast of the Bahamas on Christmas Eve
• The 207-foot Utopia IV rammed in to the 160-foot Tropic Breeze tanker, causing it to sink 2,000 feet
• The tanker, which was headed toward Great Stirrup Cay, was carrying two Guyanese nationals and several crew; All were rescued by a passing yacht
• Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking - 15 miles NNW of New Providence - officials determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged 
• It is unclear if Ridinger was onboard the boat at the time of the crash or if he will face any criminal charges

By Natasha Anderson For Dailymail.Com

Published: 09:15 EDT, 31 December 2021 | Updated: 10:58 EDT, 31 December 2021

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A $51million superyacht owned by retail and internet marketing tycoon JR Ridinger sank a 160-foot gas tanker near the Bahamas on Christmas Eve.

Ridinger's 207-foot Utopia IV rammed the Tropic Breeze tanker, piercing its hull and causing it sink an estimated 2,000 feet, according to multiple reports.

Photos of the collision show the Tropic Breeze falling towards the ocean floor.

The tanker crew members were seen getting into life boats after a another passing superyacht, called Amara, aided in their rescue. 

It is unclear if Ridinger, the 65-year-old CEO of Market America and Shop.com, was aboard the boat at the time of the crash or if he will face any criminal charges.  

JR Ridinger's 207-foot Utopia IV rammed the 160-foot Tropic Breeze gas tanker, piercing its hull and causing it sink an estimated 2,000 feet shortly after 10pm on Christmas Eve. Photos show the Utopia apparently on fire while the Tropic Breeze falls towards the ocean floor

The tanker crew members were seen getting into life boats after a another passing superyacht, called Amara, aided in their rescue

The Tropic Breeze, which was en route to Great Stirrup Cay, sank at approximately 10.03pm on December 14, about 15 miles NNW of New Providence Island

The Tropic Breeze, which was en route to Great Stirrup Cay, sank at approximately 10.03pm on December 14, about 15 miles NNW of New Providence Island.

It is unclear at what speed the Utopia was traveling when it struck the tanker. 

The vessel was reportedly carrying two Guyanese nationals - chief engineer Colin Ward and Joshua Campbell - who, like all crew members were evacuated from the tanker and rescued. 

'Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged,' Tropic Breeze owner Maritime Management confirmed to local Caribbean National Weekly .

However, the company notes the ship's cargo included 'non-persistent materials' which were all 'lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air.'

It is unclear if Ridinger (pictured with his wife Loren earlier this month), the 65-year-old CEO of Market America and Shop.com, was aboard the boat at the time of the crash or if he will face any criminal charges

Pictured: Ridinger's superyacht, the Utopia IV

The Tropic Breeze, which is registered in Belize, was inspected earlier in December and 'found by the authorities to be fully compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards'.

The Bahamas Ministry of Transport has launched an investigation into the collision and consulted the Attorney General for guidance. 

The Department of Environmental Health is also reviewing the environmental impact of the incident.

Federal officials will provide an update pending the results of the investigations. 

Meanwhile, the extent of damage caused to the Utopia - which was designed and built by Italy's Rossinavi in 2018 - remains unknown. 

The superyacht, which sleeps 12, features four Rolls Royce hydro jets offering a top speed of 33 knots and an average cruising speed of 26 knots. 

The Tropic Breeze, which is registered in Belize, was inspected earlier in December and 'found by the authorities to be fully compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards' 

Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged. A boat believed to be the Utopia is pictured in the aftermath of the accident 

The interior was decorated with luxury brands like Hermes and Armani. The ship also has a glass-bottomed pool and jacuzzi in the owner's suite.   

Ridinger's wife, Loren, 53, conducted a video tour of the boat in June 2018, likely shortly after they obtained the vessel, which replaced their previous yacht, Utopia III.

While she touted the boat's features, Loren noted: 'Most important thing is it's really a family boat, a Market America boat, a Shop.com boat - this boat was built with love.'

'We've spent a tremendous amount of time putting this thing together from the heart.' 

The family, worth an estimated $300m, is said to be travel on their yachts frequently. In fact, in July 2020, when the Ridingers put their West Chelsea Manhattan duplex on the market Loren told the  New York Post : 'We've always been avid yachters so having our yacht across the street was super convenient.' 

The superyacht, which sleeps 12, features four Rolls Royce hydro jets offering a top speed of 33 knots and an average cruising speed of 26 knots (Pictured: Loren Ridinger in 2018 offering a tour of the boat)

The interior was decorated with luxury brands like Hermes and Armani. The ship also has a glass-bottomed pool and jacuzzi in the owner's suite

Pictured: A bedroom on the Utopia IV

Pictured: An exterior deck on the Utopia IV

Ridinger, whose net worth is approximately $300million, according to Celebrity Net Worth , and Loren co-founded Market America and Shop.com in 1992. 

Market America, which runs Shop.com, has done more than $1 billion in sales by helping companies launch products. 

Ridinger, as of February, was said to be the richest man in network marketing. 

One of his firms recently purchased a $18.5million penthouse in the One Thousand Museum, a luxury condominium complex in Miami, South Florida Business Journal reported about two weeks ago.

The condo totals 9,200 square feet and features five bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and 1,020 square feet of terraces. 

Building amenities include a pool deck, spa, sauna, steam room, beauty salon, fitness center, helipad and massive sky lounge. 

Ridinger (pictured in one of his Business Strategy videos), whose net worth is approximately $300million, and Loren co-founded Market America and Shop.com in 1992. As of February, he was said to be the richest man in network marketing

One of Ridinger's firms recently purchased a $18.5million penthouse in the One Thousand Museum, a luxury condominium complex in Miami (pictured)

The Ridingers' purchase was the second-highest transaction in the complex (Pictured: A unit to similar to the one owned by the Ridingers)

The Ridingers' purchase was the second-highest transaction in the complex, with the first being the purchase of a $19.8million penthouse purchased by soccer superstar David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer and former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham.

While his Market America biography says he resides in Miami Beach, the Ridingers likely have additional properties. 

It is known that they previously owned homes in New York City and their businesses are headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina and Monterey, California. 

The couple also share two daughters, Amber, 29, and Amanda, whose age is unknown. 

Share or comment on this article: Billionaire JR Ridinger's $51M yacht rammed gas tanker, pierced its hull and sunk off the Bahamas 

Doesn't that expensive, ostentatious tub have rada...

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US billionaire’s yacht sinks gas tanker in Bahamas

‘due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged,’ shipping company says, article bookmarked.

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A superyacht worth $51m owned by multimillionaire JR Ridinger crashed into a gas tanker and caused it to sink.

The yacht, Utopia IV, rear-ended the tanker, the Tropic Breeze, in the Bahamas on Christmas Eve, with the collision taking place off the coast of New Providence Island at around 10pm.

“The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet,” Maritime Management, which owns the Tropic Breeze, told the Caribbean National Weekly.

They added that all “non-persistent materials”, such as liquefied petroleum gas, marine gas, and automotive gas, “are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air”.

Another superyacht, the Amara, passed the sinking ship and rescued the crew members. It’s unclear if Mr Ridinger was on the yacht during the collision. He’s the CEO of Market America and Shop.com.

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The ship has engines from Rolls Royce to power it along and can host 12 sleeping guests, with the interior featuring brands such as Hermes and Armani. The owner’s quarters also feature a jacuzzi and a pool with a glass bottom.

A $51m superyacht owned by multimillionaire JR Ridinger rear-ended and sunk a gas tanker in the Bahamas on Christmas Eve

Mr Ridinger and his wife Loren put their West Chelsea duplex up for sale in July 2020. The apartment was close to the parking space for their ship at Chelsea Piers.

The Utopia IV was damaged in the collision with the tanker

“We’ve always been avid yachters so having our yacht across the street was super convenient,” she told The New York Post.

“The Port Department has begun a formal investigation into the incident, and the Department of Environmental Health is also conducting a review of the environmental impact. These activities are currently underway,” the Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Housing said in a statement according to the Caribbean National Weekly.

Utopia IV was built in 2018 at the Italian shipyard Rossinavi. The tanker measured 160 feet (49 metres) compared to the yacht’s 207 feet (63 metres).

Maritime Management added in their statement that the tanker, which is registered in Belize , was inspected this month “and was found by the authorities to be fully compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards”.

“Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged,” they said.

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By SuperyachtNews 21 Jan 2022

UPDATE: 63m M/Y Utopia IV spotted in Miami following collision

M/y utopia iv has been spotted in miami following an incident involving a collision with a tanker on christmas eve….

Image Credit:@ Diegoluca  on Instagram

The 63 metre Rossinavi motor yacht M/Y Utopia IV has been spotted in Miami following an incident involving a collision with a tanker on Christmas Eve last year. While the superyacht itself remains relatively unscathed considering the impact of the collision, investigations will need to be continued in order to identify the cause of the accident.

It has been confirmed that owners Loren and JR Ridinger were not on board during the accident and that there were no fatalities or serious injuries as a result of the crash.

SuperyachtNews coverage of the collision can be seen below -

63m M/Y Utopia IV collides with tanker in the Bahamas -27/12/2021

Image courtesy of salvage_and_wreckage

M/T Tropic Breeze was struck by the 63 metre Rossinavi superyacht M/Y Utopia IV at 22:03 pm on Christmas Eve just 15 miles off the coast of New Providence Island in the Bahamas. The 49 metre product tanker was travelling on its proper watch when it was ‘rear ended’ by the aluminium hull charter vessel. The collision led to the tanker sinking 2000 feet below sea level, however, all seven crew members were rescued without injury by M/Y Amara who were quick to respond to the distress call.

Several reports online have suggested that crew on-board M/Y Utopia IV did suffer minor injuries, however, no official statements have yet been made.

The tankers cargo onboard included non-persistent materials only - all of which have floated to the waters surface and subsequently have been easily dissipated into the atmosphere, meaning clean up action is only minimal. The 32 year old tanker was found by the authorities to be fully-compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards just a few weeks before the incident. Due to the depth of the ocean at the location where the incident occurred, it has been decided by authorities that the tanker can not be salvaged safely.

M/Y Utopia IV was originally commissioned by an American client in November 2014. Utopia IV’s unique features include a 70sqm beach club, three spa pools and a helipad. The 11m beam allows for a total interior volume of 986gt, and features a fast-displacement aluminium hull. After the launch, Rossinavi described the vessel as ‘fast and powerful’, with a maximum speed of 33 knots, an average cruising speed of 26 knots, and a range of  about 3,300 nautical miles. The speed upon impact is currently unknown.

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It is just the same question after any collision, even with true professionals involved ...

How in this day and age can this happen!!!! BNWAS and radar and posting a proper lookout on the bridge. Maybe too much reliance on technology and not enough looking out the window with a set of bins! Whether the master likes it or not it is down to him.

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Dramatic moment US billionaire’s £38m superyacht SINKS gas tanker after horror crash in The Bahamas

• Published : 21:06, 31 Dec 2021
• Updated : 22:14, 31 Dec 2021

THIS is the dramatic moment a US billionaire’s £38m superyacht sank a 160-foot gas tanker near the Bahamas.

Retail tycoon JR Ridinger's yacht, Utopia IV, rammed the tanker, the Tropic Breeze, off the coast of New Providence Island on  Christmas  Eve.

Images of the crash show the tanker falling towards the ocean floor and the crew members getting into life boats.

Maritime Management, which owns the Tropic Breeze, told the  Caribbean National Weekly : “The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet.”

They added that all “non-persistent materials”, such as liquefied petroleum gas, marine gas, and automotive gas, “are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air”.

Another superyacht , the Amara, passed the sinking ship and rescued the crew members.

It is unclear at what speed the Utopia was traveling when it struck the tanker.

“The Port Department has begun a formal investigation into the incident, and the Department of Environmental Health is also conducting a review of the environmental impact. These activities are currently underway,” the Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Housing said in a statement.

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The 207-foot Utopia IV was built in 2018 at the Italian shipyard Rossinavi and has engines from Rolls Royce to power it along.

It can host 12 sleeping guests, with the interior featuring brands such as Hermes and Armani. The owner’s quarters also have a jacuzzi and a pool with a glass bottom.

Maritime Management added in their statement that the tanker was inspected this month “and was found by the authorities to be fully compliant with all national and international safety and vessel integrity standards”.

“Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged,” they said.

It’s unclear if Mr Ridinger, the 65-year-old CEO of Market America and Shop.com, was on the yacht at the time of the crash.

Mr Ridinger and his wife Loren put their West Chelsea duplex apartment up for sale in July 2020, which was close to the parking space for their ship at Chelsea Piers.

Billionaire’s $51M Superyacht Sinks Gas Tanker After Colliding With It

By Bill Galluccio

December 31, 2021

A  gas tanker sank to the bottom of the ocean  following a collision with a $51 million superyacht owned by Shop.com CEO  JR Ridinger . The 207-foot Utopia IV collided with the Tropic Breeze gas tanker on Christmas Eve off the coast of the Bahamas.

"The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker, causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet,"  the gas tanker's owner Maritime Management told  Caribbean National Weekly .

Another  superyacht was in the area and helped rescue all the crew members  from the Tropic Breeze.

"Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking, it has been determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged," the company added.

Maritime Management said the environmental damage should be minimal because the tanker was carrying "non-persistent materials," including automotive and maritime gas. It noted that those materials "are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air."

It is unknown if Ridinger was on the yacht at the time or if he will face charges for the collision. Investigators are currently trying to determine the cause of the crash.

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Billionaire’s Yacht Sinks Gas Tanker in Bahamas Boat Accident

On Christmas Eve, the $51 million superyacht Utopia IV, owned by multimillionaire JR Ridinger, rear-ended and sank a gas tanker in Bahamas.

According to sources, the Utopia collided with the stern of the tanker Tropic Breeze off the shore of New Providence Island at 10 p.m.

Maritime Management, which owns the sunken ship, told the local Caribbean National Weekly , “The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet.” Concerning the potential for environmental harm The company noted that all  “non-persistent materials [LPG, marine gas and automotive gas] … are lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air.”

Crew members were saved by a sailing superyacht that was passing, named Amara. It’s unclear whether Ridinger who is the chief executive officer for Market America and  Shop.com  was on board Utopia IV. Utopia IV.

The Utopia IV has four Rolls Royce hydro jets for speed and can accommodate 12 people in an interior with Hermes and Armani luxury brands. The owner’s suite has a jacuzzi and a glass-bottomed pool.

“We’ve always been avid yachters so having our yacht across the street was super convenient.”  Ridinger’s wife, Loren, told to the New York Post when they put their West Chelsea duplex on the market in July 2020, which included boat space at neighboring Chelsea Piers.

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Miami socialite J.R. Ridinger dies suddenly at 63

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Beloved Miami businessman and socialite J.R. Ridinger has died at 63 after suffering a pulmonary embolism on a yacht in Croatia.

The Market America founder and his wife, Loren, were fixtures on the city’s social scene and the pair were close with Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Marc Anthony, Scottie Pippen and the Beckhams, among others.

“While I am unable to speak and I am in shock,” Loren wrote on Facebook, “you should know I am broken. My heart has been ripped out.”

“To clear the rumors that he fell… while on our first vacation in 3 years with [family, J.R.] had a sudden pulmonary embolism that stole him from us. In just a second he was gone. A moment. I beg of you to pray and meditate on him. “

While the Ridingers own the $51 million super yacht Utopia IV, we’re told they were on a chartered boat instead. The Utopia IV is undergoing repairs after an accident in the Bahamas last December when it rear-ended and sank an oil tanker on Christmas Eve.

J.R. leaves behind two daughters, Amber and Amanda.

Basketball legend Pippen posted on Wednesday, “We lost a good one with the passing of my friend. J.R. was so helpful and supportive when I began my life after basketball, giving me valuable advice and teaching me how to become an entrepreneur.”

We lost a good one with the passing of my friend  @jrridinger . JR was so helpful and supportive when I began my life after basketball, giving me valuable advice and teaching me how to become an entrepreneur. pic.twitter.com/rJGHxapyxM — Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) August 31, 2022

Victoria Beckham and Khloe Kardashian also gave their condolences.

An email sent out by the family’s company to staff said it had “lost its great visionary, and the world has lost a passionate human being who believed in other people even more than they believed in themselves.”

The note added, “No words can adequately express our shock, our pain and our tremendous sadness at J.R.’s untimely passing. J.R. would want us to honor his memory and legacy by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.”

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J.R Ridinger's cause of death revealed after shock passing aged 63

The market america co-founder died in croatia.

Market America co-founder J.R Ridinger' s cause of death has been revealed following his shock passing aged just 63.

READ: Country music fans in mourning after Luke Bell dies aged 32

The Miami businessman – who was friends with the likes of Jennifer Lopez , Victoria Beckham , and Khloe Kardashian – died on Wednesday after suffering a pulmonary embolism on a yacht in Croatia, his wife Loren confirmed.

WATCH: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck marry in Las Vegas

"While I am unable to speak and I am in shock," Loren wrote on Facebook . "You should know I am broken. My heart has been ripped out.

"To clear the rumors that he fell… while on our first vacation in three years with [family, J.R.] had a sudden pulmonary embolism that stole him from us. In just a second he was gone. A moment. I beg of you to pray and meditate on him."

MORE:  David Beckham pokes fun at Victoria during Aspen hike – and she has the best response

READ: Jennifer Lopez speaks out against guest who leaked private wedding ceremony video

According to Page Six , an email sent out by the family’s company to staff said it had "lost its great visionary, and the world has lost a passionate human being who believed in other people even more than they believed in themselves."

J.R and Loren Ridinger

The note added: " No words can adequately express our shock, our pain and our tremendous sadness at J.R.'s untimely passing. J.R. would want us to honor his memory and legacy by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much. "

Victoria Beckham paid her condolences on Instagram, resharing a post from Loren which showed her and her late husband. Victoria wrote: "We love you Loren," before adding the prayer emoji.

Victoria paid her respects following J.R's passing

Loren also posted a photo from her wedding day, writing: "I am shattered in every way possible. There is no love like our love. Please pray for me and my family.

"I love you @jrridinger for the rest of my life and beyond. It will only be you. 33 years of love together on this earth."

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JR Ridinger’s $51M super yacht sunk gas tanker off the coast of the Bahamas

Retail tycoon JR Ridinger’s $51M super yacht SINKS gas tanker off the coast of the Bahamas after ramming it and piercing its hull

A yacht belonging to Market America and  Shop.com CEO JR Ridinger collided with a gas tanker off the coast of the Bahamas on Christmas Eve

The 207-foot Utopia IV rammed in to the 160-foot Tropic Breeze tanker, causing it to sink 2,000 feet

The tanker, which was headed toward Great Stirrup Cay, was carrying two Guyanese nationals and several crew; All were rescued by a passing yacht

Due to the depth of the ocean at the location of the sinking – 15 miles NNW of New Providence – officials determined that the tanker cannot be safely salvaged 

It is unclear if Ridinger was onboard the boat at the time of the crash or if he will face any criminal charges

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salvage and wreck (@salvage_and_wreck)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JR Ridinger (@jrridinger)

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