Tragedy Strikes Quintess Yacht Essence

By: Destination Club News
Date: September 25, 2006

At 4:00 am on September 20th, approximately 12 miles south of New Haven, Connecticut, tragedy struck Quintess when their 92-foot yacht, Essence, collided with a 600-foot carrier, claiming the life of one of the three crew members, chef Gina Bortolotti. The other two members of the crew were taken to the hospital and were subsequently released. No club members were on the yacht at the time.

According to reports, the bulk carrier, Barkald, and Essence had been in radio contact, but no other information has been released regarding the nature of the contact. The Essence was enroute to Greenwich, Connecticut from Newport, Rhode Island.

Quintess and Dream Catcher Retreats announced their merger earlier this month, and while good times are ahead for the combined destination club, they continue to mourn the loss of one of their family members. The club released the following on their website:

"We deeply regret to inform you that The Essence was involved in a collision with a 600-foot freighter while in transit from Newport, RI to Greenwich, CT on September 20, 2006. Three crew members were on board at the time and tragically one died in the accident. The other two crew members were treated at a local hospital and later released."

"We continue to work closely with the owners of The Essence who employ the crew, to do as much as possible for them and their families. Quintess had chartered the yacht from a private owner since spring 2006."

"Shortly we’ ll explore an alternative to The Essence for our members’ use. Our first priority and concern, however, is for the crew and their families."

Destination Club News has the Bortolotti family in our thoughts following this tragic loss and has our condolences.