Not just Solaris and Eclipse. Two other yachts can be attributed to Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire involved in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and among the oligarchs hit by Western sanctions. Sanctions we remember include an asset freeze and a travel ban in Europe and the UK. Two yachts moored in Falmouth harbor in southern Antigua could now be attacked by London. According to the Financial Times, the local government has determined that the two yachts anchored in the Caribbean island belong to the Russian tycoon. Specifically, these are Halo, a $38 million yacht and a $20 million Garon luxury boats that could now be impounded.
The investigations
In a letter to the British High Commissioner in Barbados, which was seen by reporters from the British daily, Antigua’s Foreign Minister Paul Chet Greene writes that the island’s government has collected information on the ownership of the two yachts. Yachts that vary in availability from Wenham Overseas Ltd. are located. The document then states that according to the British Virgin Islands Financial Investigation Agency, the actual owner of Wenham Overseas Ltd is Roman Abramovich. Other British officials then confirmed to the Financial Times that the government was already in contact with the authorities in Antigua and Barbuda, who agreed to work together.
Abramovich’s fleet
It now remains to be seen what will become of the two yachts moored in Antigua, as Abramovich’s behemoths, Solaris and Eclipse, are in friendly ports safe from western sanctions.
From the right, Abramovich’s two maxi yachts, Eclipse and Solaris
Eclipse, one of the largest yachts in the world at 163.5 meters and worth a record $700 million, according to Marine Traffic, is docked in Marmaris, Turkey. Solaris, worth over 600 million dollars and around 140 meters long, is also located in a neighboring port.