Covid mask tycoon died after yacht crashed into rocks

A MILLIONAIRE British businessman was killed after his yacht crashed into rocks off the coast of Sardinia, it emerged yesterday.

Dean Kronsbein was seriously injured in the smash off the Costa Smeralda but he was alive when he was rescued at sea.

However, it is understood the 61-year-old died from a cardiac arrest on the way to hospital.

His wife Sabine, 59, and daughter Sophia, 27, were seriously injured in the accident.

The Italian captain of the Magnum 70 yacht, named Amore, has been placed under investigation by prosecutors.

“He is being investigated but has not been arrested,” Egidio Caredda, a lawyer representing the Kronsbein family, said.

“Both the wife and daughter suffered very, very serious injuries.

“The daughter has undergone an operation in hospital. The wife also has serious trauma but is no longer in danger of losing her life. We are gathering testimony from witnesses.”

Mr Kronsbein, who was born in the UK and has German heritage, owned a company that makes filters and masks called Ultrafilter Medical, based in Ross-on-wye, Herefordshire. The classic car enthusiast lived on a 100-acre country estate called Cubberley House near Ross-on-wye.

In June the estate hosted an event involving the Bentley Drivers Club, which was visited by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

It was also attended by Richard Hammond, the former Top Gear presenter, who was promoting his classic car restoration service.

Last year Hammond, who co-hosts The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime, turned up to the opening of a factory built by Ultrafilter Medical. He developed a friendship with Mr Kronsbein based on their shared love of cars.

The accident happened at about 8.50pm on Sunday close to Li Nibani, a cluster of granite islands off the northeastern coast of the Italian island.

Survivors were picked up by a boat belonging to Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister of Italy, who has a villa in Sardinia. It is not believed he was on board at the time.

The Sweet Dragon, which was in the area, was directed to the scene of the accident by the coast guard.

Officials are investigating suggestions that the skipper of the Amore swerved to avoid another boat.

A post-mortem examination on Mr Kronsbein is due to be carried out today.