Durban - A yacht abandoned in the yacht basin in Durban Harbour six years ago, after its owner mysteriously disappeared, is to be sold at public auction to recover some of the R240 000 owed in mooring fees.
Durban Marina general manager Malcolm Manion brought an application in the Durban High Court securing an order authorising the sale of the yacht Kaira, claiming its owner, Ian Ross, had not been seen since 2009.
“We have received information to the effect that he was being sought by Interpol. But we have been unable to substantiate such rumour,” he said in his affidavit that came before Judge Fikile Mokgohloa.
The yacht is an incomplete monohull steel sloop, and is likely to be sold for scrap because of its condition.
Manion said that in 2009 the yacht was moored at Wilson’s Wharf, but, because of dredging, it and others were relocated to the marina for a short time.
All eventually returned, except for Kaira.
“We requested Ross to complete the necessary documentation for hiring charges and mooring fees, but he failed and refused to do so. He did on occasion pay some hiring charges, but fell into arrears and then he simply disappeared,” he said.
A summons was issued in 2011, and the yacht was “arrested”. As of November last year, the debt stood at almost R240 000.
Manion said that every attempt had been made to trace Ross.
“We asked all his friends and fellow sailors. We put up notices at the entrance of the mooring, we have tried his cell number and his e-mail address. He has not been in contact at all.
“The only inference that can be drawn is that the yacht has been abandoned. In the circumstances we have no choice but to sell it at public auction to recover what is owed. If matters are left, the expenses will mount and the yacht will deteriorate until her value is reduced to nothing.”
The yacht had already submerged several times. Manion said that should it sink, it would pose a threat to other vessels and pollute the marine environment. It was also doubtful the vessel was insured. He said the present value was estimated to at R75 000.
According to a valuation report, rain had caused the yacht’s water line to submerge to below an opening on the side of the hull, causing sea water to flood in.
“By the time this was discovered the yacht was about 200cm under water, which caused considerable damage to the engine. The interior was never completed, and it is in an utter mess.
“The vessel only has limited open market value… a vast amount of work and a large sum of money would need to be spent repairing it and fitting it out,” the report said.
The auction will take place at the marina/yacht basin at 1pm on August 5.
From this week, the yacht will be placed on a prominent mooring at the Durban Marina for viewing. Interested buyers can contact Manion at 031 307 1017 to make arrangements.
The Mercury