Russian tycoon’s yacht goes dark on way to Bahamas

Island nation working with countries to seize ships

A $150-million (U.S.) superyacht tied to Leonid Mikhelson, Russia’s second richest-citizen whose gas company is a target of U.S. sanctions, has stopped transmitting its location after last broadcasting it was headed to the Bahamas — known for co-operating with other nations to seize ships.

The 85-metre long Pacific, which features room big enough for two helicopters, was last detected cruising at nearly full speed in the Caribbean Sea before it went dark a little after 9 p.m. on May 8, according to vessel data compiled by Bloomberg.

If the Bahamas is its true destination, the yacht won’t find a safe haven there; authorities in the island nation have worked closely with the U.S. to seize commercial vessels.

As Russia’s war in Ukraine drags on amid allegations of atrocities, the U.S. and other governments around the world have looked to sanctions to punish those closest to President Vladimir Putin. Italy, Spain and other European governments have seized villas, bank accounts and more than a dozen yachts belonging to Russia’s wealthiest citizens.

“It’s inconceivable that Russian oligarchs would consider the Bahamas a safe jurisdiction given its close ties to the United States — not just in terms of location but in terms of its law enforcement cooperation,” said Ian Ralby, chief executive of I.R. Consilium, a maritime law and security consultancy.

The Pacific had been anchored at various ports and bays in Costa Rica since late January. It departed the Papagayo marina near Culebra Bay on May 5.

It’s inconceivable that Russian oligarchs would consider the Bahamas a safe jurisdiction given its close ties to the United States. IAN RALBY I.R. CONSILIUM