Austria-based shipbuilder Silent Yachts has shared a statement to rebut claims they were partially liable for a yacht fire in 2021 that saw over $20 million (c. €18.7 million) in damages.

Alexander Marine, the US dealer for Taiwanese brand Ocean Alexander, is suing Silent Yachts, a German shipowner, a general cargo ship and a vessel chartering company for the total loss of two yachts and severe damages to a third yacht during a trans-Pacific voyage.

Alexander Marine is seeking damages in the US federal court for the Southern District of Florida for the parties involved in stowing and shipping five yachts in November 2021. Of those five, three were Ocean Alexander yachts and one was built by Silent Yachts. It has also not been reported as to whether the fifth vessel received any damage, or who she belonged to.

The yachts were stowed on board the 138.5-metre (454-foot) cargo ship BBC Virginia, operated by Briese Schiffahrt, both of which are involved in the lawsuit. The yachts were travelling on a shipment from Taiwan to Florida when a fire is said to have broken out on board.

Ocean Alexander alleges that the fire originated in the vessel owned by a customer of Sempre Italia/Silent Yachts North America, both of whom are named defendants in the lawsuit.

A fourth defendant, Cross Chartering Yacht Transport, allegedly violated the contract of carriage by failing to disclose the Silent Yachts vessel and putting the three Alexander Marine yachts on an unseaworthy vessel.