Mama said it's not nice to laugh at other people's misfortunes, but there seems to be an unwritten exception clause for Australian billionaire, politician, businessman, and passionate car collector Clive Palmer.
Clive Palmer, the billionaire who a decade ago planned to build Titanic II as a sort of twisted tribute to the 1912 unsinkable Titanic that sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean, is a very polarizing public figure. He's been so for years, for political reasons that are not relevant to our discussion, and the latest proves that this hasn't changed – and perhaps never will.
The other day, Palmer's $40 million superyacht ran aground off the coast of Singapore and was stranded for several hours before coastal authorities were able to refloat it. That superyacht is the Benetti-built Australia (ex-Bash, ex-Ulysses), and it's a classic vessel that hides very modern and luxurious trappings underneath that timeless exterior.
The internet can be a cesspool of hate and vitriol, and it certainly proved that way with news breaking of Australia's mishap. As soon as video of the superyacht listing slightly outside the marina made its way on social media, Palmer's critics came out of the woodwork to rejoice in his very expensive mishap.
Many were hoping the vessel was sinking, but others only commented with a most obvious – yet still hilarious – joke: Palmer was finally getting his Titanic. When Palmer first spoke of his intention to build Titanic II after the design, features, and even the route of the original doomed vessel, his plans were considered a shameless attempt at capitalizing on tragedy. Having his own yacht go under was, for many, a form of divine, if belated, punishment.
Photo: Yacht Charter Fleet
However, Australia didn't go under. Coastal authorities confirm that it's been refloated without incident after it hit a sandbar after it sailed into marked shallow waters. It's now safely anchored off the coast of Singapore, getting ready to make the trip back home to Australia.
Delivered as Ulysses in 2012, the 56-meter (183-foot) was completed at the Livorno shipyard, with exterior design by Stefano Natucci and interiors by Benetti. The interior has been refurbed in the years since delivery as the vessel changed hands three times. Palmer bought it in 2021, so to him, it's still a brand-new superyacht.
Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, Australia can travel at top speeds of 16 knots (18.4 mph/30 kph) and offers accommodation for 12 guests and 12 crew. Amenities include a jacuzzi, bars, and wellness area, and lavish interiors that rival the poshest resort you've seen.
Under the previous ownership, Australia was a popular charter platform, but Palmer can afford not to chart it when he's not using it. That said, it's not known whether he was onboard when the superyacht ran aground.
Clive Palmer's $40 million superyacht has been refloated, after running aground in Singapore. The vessel named 'Australia' hit a sandbar less than a kilometre off the marina, after leaving Sentosa Island. https://t.co/TWh1KQh9q4#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/RWoRJ518Yg
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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