Ukrainian Sailor Tries to Sink Russian Boss’ Luxury Yacht

A Ukrainian sailor tried to sink his Russian boss’s $7.7 Million luxury yacht in an act of protest against the Ukraine war.

The ship engineer worked on the vessel for the past ten years however witnessing the scenes of devastation in Ukraine coerced him to take the extreme step.

The yacht apparently belongs to Alexander Mijeev who is the CEO of Rosoboronexport. His company exports Russian defence products like weapons, ships, tanks and fighting vehicles.

To sink the 156-foot Lady Anastasiia, Taras Ostapchuk, 55, opened the valves in the engine room of the yacht in order to flood it and thereby sink it. He also told his co-workers all of whom were Ukrainians to leave the vessel before he carried out the act. 

Some of the co-workers however alerted the police. When police officials reached the Yacht, they found two open hatches that were letting in water. The Yacht was saved however there has been significant damage to the engine. 

The yacht was docked at Mallorca in Spain when he made the attempt according to BBC. 

Mr Ostapchuk’s attempt failed as he was arrested by Spain’s Civil Guard on Saturday. He appeared in court on Sunday and expressed no regret for his actions. 

“I don't regret anything I've done and I would do it again,” the Ukrainian said, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

He added that he took the step when he saw that the armaments used in the war were produced by his boss’s company.

“I watched the news about the war. There was a video of a helicopter attack on a building in Kyiv. The armaments used are produced by the yacht owner's company. They were attacking innocents,” he told the judge. 

Mr Ostapchuk has been granted bail. He has returned to his home country and expressed his strong intention of joining the fight against Russia.