THIS is the jaw-dropping moment when a luxury yacht capsized and sank just moments after it launched for its maiden voyage.
Staggering footage shows the fancy boat hitting trouble just seconds after it took to the waves.
Staggering footage shows the fancy boat hitting trouble just seconds after it took to the wavesNewsflash/NX
Within moments, the boat begins to tilt over to one sideNewsflash/NX
Before long, it falls over onto its side, sealing the vessel’s fateNewsflash/NX
Those on board were forced to swim for safetyNewsflash/NX
The astonishing incident took place off the coast of Zonguldak – a popular tourist spot in northern Turkey – on September 2.
A clip shot on someone’s phone captures the moment the £700,000 vessel tipped over into the deep.
To start with, the ship’s launch seems to go off without a hitch.
The boat – named Dolce Vento – is jettisoned into water as it embarks on what was meant to be its first trip out for a spin.
But disaster strikes within a matter of a few seconds.
It can soon be seen starting to tilt ominously towards the side, and it’s quickly apparent that the ship is capsizing.
Panic ensues on board as the vessel leans further and further towards the sea.
And just 15 minutes into its maiden voyage, the ship sinks beneath the waves.
After leaning towards its side for an agonising few minutes, it crashes over onto its side – sealing the vessel’s fate.
One of those on board can even be spotted clambering onto the partially-submerged wreckage.
The ship is reported to be about 24 to 30 metres long and was completed at the Med Yilmaz Shipyard.
Upon being built, it was delivered to its owner from Istanbul.
Mercifully, no one was injured or killed in the frightening turn of events.
The owner, captain and two crew members on board all managed to swim to shore unharmed.
After the ship sank, coast guard and port teams were sent out and set up a security perimeter.
Rescue teams have also been dispatched to begin recovery work.
Shipyard officials have said an investigation will be conducted to establish the cause of the sinking.
While the probe remains ongoing, experts have suggested that stability problems are the most significant factor in incidents like this.
A probe into the incident remains ongoingNewsflash/NX
Coast guard and port teams were sent out and set up a security perimeterNewsflash/NX