Saddam Hussein’s Ocean Breeze Yacht
Iraq’s ministry of transportation announced that the luxury yacht Ocean Breeze, which was once owned by former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, has now gone on sale. The boat, which has been the subject of legal wrangling between Iraq and Jordan, which claimed ownership of the vessel, has gone on sale for around £17 million ($27,5 million).
Built by Helsingor Vaerft in 1981, the yacht was never delivered to Iraq, as Saddam kept it in Saudi Arabia and other ports. The interior is decorated throughout with fine mahogany, gold, silver, and marble. Aside from ornate fountains and giant lavish rooms, there are bathrooms with gold fixtures, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, a helicopter pad, a large theater, game rooms complete with both table tennis and pool tables, and a flat screen TV in almost every cabin.
Also Ocean Breeze yacht include safety features like a bulletproof atrium with banquet seating for 200, two medical treatment centers and an escape tunnel leading to a submarine. The 270ft long ship, originally called Qadissiyet Saddam after a historic Iraqi military victory, is the sister ship of Al Mansur, or The Victor, another of Saddam’s yacht which ended up being bombed to pieces by Anglo-American forces during the Iraq War of 2003.
Brokers have suggested that in the current financial climate, it could be difficult to sell a vessel which is luxurious but not up to the standards of more modern yachts. However, Brokers Burgess of London suggested the yacht’s history could be a good selling point.
Saddam Hussein’s Ocean Breeze Yacht
Saddam Hussein’s Ocean Breeze Yacht
Saddam Hussein’s Ocean Breeze Yacht
Saddam Hussein’s Ocean Breeze Yacht
