Former Trump-Owned Yacht, Featured in a James Bond Film, Crashes in Tunisia
Yacht's History and Recent Crash
A luxurious yacht, which had a cameo in the James Bond film "Never Say Never Again" and was once owned by former President Trump in the late 1980s, crashed into a pier in Tunisia last week. The yacht was later sold to Saudi businessman and investor Al-Waleed bin Talal in the early 1990s.
According to SuperYacht Times, the 85.65-meter (281 ft) superyacht, named "Kingdom 5KR" (originally "Nabila"), reportedly experienced a mechanical issue while approaching the dock at a port in Bizerte, Tunisia. This led to a collision with the pier, causing damage to the bow worth millions of dollars.
Investigation into the Incident
SuperYacht Times reported that an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident. "The incident occurred while Kingdom 5KR was attempting to dock. It is believed by online sources that a mechanical failure or miscommunication may have led to the accident," they stated.
Extent of Damage
Images shared on social media on October 11 showed significant damage to the yacht, allegedly due to a loss of control.
Historical Significance of the Yacht
The yacht, Nabila, was built in 1980 by shipbuilder Benetti at a cost of $100 million (or about $382 million in 2024) for Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi. The yacht was featured in the 1983 Bond film "Never Say Never Again."
Facing financial difficulties, Khashoggi sold the yacht to the Sultan of Brunei in 1988, who then sold it to former President Donald Trump for $29 million. Trump renamed the yacht "Trump Princess." By 1991, Trump had sold the yacht for $20 million to Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who renamed it Kingdom 5KR.
Bottom Line
The history of the yacht, from its creation to its various high-profile owners, is as intriguing as its recent accident. The investigation into the crash will hopefully shed light on what exactly led to this unfortunate event. What are your thoughts on this incident? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered to your inbox every day at 6pm.
