A 24-year-old man is missing and 10 others injured in a collision between a yacht and a dinghy on the French Riviera.

A serious collision between a luxury yacht and a motorized dinghy occurred off the coast of the French Riviera on Sunday evening, August 16, resulting in one person missing and ten others injured. The incident took place near Théoule-sur-Mer, in the region known as the Costa Azzurra, approximately two miles east of Cannes. According to initial reports from local authorities, both vessels were registered under French flags, with the yacht operated by a professional skipper returning from a day trip to the nearby Lérins Islands. The dinghy, driven by an amateur sailor, was reportedly heading toward the mainland before the collision. The accident happened around 10:45 p.m., in the Gulf of Juan, which lies between Cannes and Théoule-sur-Mer. Initial assessments by the police suggest that the impact caused the ten individuals aboard the dinghy to be thrown into the water. Meanwhile, eleven people were on board the yacht, including its crew and passengers. As of early Monday morning, the search for the missing individual had resumed after being temporarily suspended during the night. The operation began anew at 7 a.m., involving a civil aviation helicopter and several marine units. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, deploying over 50 firefighters, 29 vehicles, and multiple rescue teams. Among the injured, six were initially classified as requiring urgent medical attention, while four were considered in critical condition. All victims were transported via emergency response equipment and helicopters to hospitals in Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Toulon. By early Monday morning, the regional maritime prefecture confirmed that all injured individuals had been taken care of, though one person remained unaccounted for. The incident has sparked a coordinated effort among local authorities, including the regional maritime prefecture and the fire department. The area is known for its high volume of recreational boating activity, particularly during the summer months. Both vessels were operating within legal limits, according to preliminary investigations. However, the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation. The yacht’s captain, who is a licensed professional, was not immediately available for comment, nor were the other crew members. The search for the missing man continues with renewed intensity, utilizing advanced aerial and maritime resources. Local residents have expressed concern over the safety of the waters, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the past. Some have called for increased monitoring and regulation of small craft in the area, especially during peak tourist season. The local government has not yet issued a formal statement, but officials have indicated they will review the incident to determine whether additional measures are necessary to prevent future occurrences. As the search progresses, the focus remains on locating the missing individual. With the assistance of specialized search teams and technology, authorities hope to find the person soon. The families of those involved have been informed, and emotional support services have been made available. The incident highlights the risks associated with recreational boating in coastal areas and underscores the importance of adherence to safety protocols. For now, the community waits anxiously for further developments.