The Tragic Fates Of The Two 'Love Boats': What Happened To Dodi Fayed And Princess Diana's Yachts?

The enduring image of Princess Diana sitting alone on the gangplank of a superyacht in the summer of 1997 remains one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century. This snapshot, taken just weeks before her tragic death, captured the whirlwind romance between Diana, Princess of Wales, and Egyptian film producer Dodi Fayed. The vessels they used for their final, lavish Mediterranean holiday—often dubbed their "love boats"—have since become powerful, poignant symbols of that fateful summer.

As of late , the story of these yachts has taken an unexpected, and equally tragic, new turn. While one vessel continues to sail under a new name, the other, a military-styled speedboat famous for hosting the couple, has met a dramatic end, sinking to the bottom of the sea. This article explores the history, specifications, and the surprisingly recent, tragic fates of the two superyachts that played host to the final chapter of a modern royal fairy tale.

The Central Figures: A Brief Joint Biography

The lives of Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana were a captivating blend of royalty, wealth, and global celebrity, culminating in a brief but intense romance that gripped the world.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Diana, Princess of Wales:
• Full Name: Lady Diana Frances Spencer.
• Born: July 1, 1961, at Park House near Sandringham, Norfolk, England.
• Family: Youngest daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer.
• Marriage: Married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981, becoming mother to Princes William and Harry.
• Legacy: Known globally for her extensive charity work, particularly in AIDS awareness and the campaign against landmines.
• Death: Died on August 31, 1997, in a car crash in Paris, France.
• Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel Mena'em "Dodi" Fayed:
• Full Name: Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel Mena'em Fayed.
• Born: April 15, 1955, in Alexandria, Egypt.
• Family: Eldest son of billionaire businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed, the former owner of the iconic London department store Harrods and the Ritz Paris hotel.
• Career: An Egyptian film producer whose credits included the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire.
• Lifestyle: Known for his lavish lifestyle and connections to Hollywood and the international jet set.
• Death: Died alongside Princess Diana on August 31, 1997, in the Paris car crash.

The Two Superyachts of the Final Summer

Contrary to popular belief, Diana and Dodi’s final holiday was not spent on a single vessel. Their whirlwind romance unfolded across two distinct superyachts, both owned by Dodi’s father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, as they cruised the French and Italian Rivieras.

The Iconic 'Jonikal' (Now Isabell Princess Of The Sea)

The Jonikal is the yacht most people remember. It was the backdrop for the famous photographs of the couple embracing and the solitary image of Diana, taken just days before her death.

• Original Name: *Jonikal*.
• Builder: Codecasa S.p.A. (Italy).
• Built: 1990.
• Specifications: A massive 63.80-meter (209-foot 4-inch) luxury motor yacht. She is capable of reaching speeds of 20 knots, with a cruising speed of 15 knots.
• History with the Couple: This was the primary vessel for their multi-week Mediterranean cruise, sailing along the French Riviera.
• Post-1997 History: After the tragedy, the yacht was renamed *Sokar* and was owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed for many years. It was later sold in 2014 and underwent further name changes to *Bash* and finally, *Isabell Princess Of The Sea*.
• Current Status: The yacht remains a prominent vessel in the luxury charter market, offering a glimpse into the opulent world the couple briefly shared. It continues to sail the world's oceans, a tangible, if renamed, piece of royal history.

The Tragic Fate of the 'Cujo'

The second yacht, the *Cujo*, played a smaller but equally significant role in the summer of 1997. This vessel, which Dodi Fayed had previously owned, was where the couple spent time earlier in the summer and was the last place they were photographed together before heading to Paris.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Name: *Cujo*.
• Builder: Baglietto (Italy).
• Specifications: A smaller, faster, 20-meter (66-foot) motor yacht, known for its sleek, military-styled design.
• History: The yacht was built in 1972 and had a storied past, hosting numerous celebrities before Diana and Dodi.
• The Shocking New Twist: In one of the most unexpected updates to the story in decades, the *Cujo* sank in the Mediterranean Sea on July 29, 2023.
• Sinking Details: The vessel was sailing 35 kilometers off the coast of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, on the French Riviera, when it began taking on water due to a leak. Seven people were on board at the time, but all were rescued unharmed by the French coast guard.
• Final Resting Place: The *Cujo* now rests approximately 7,000 feet (over 2,100 meters) below the surface of the Mediterranean.

The Enduring Symbolism and Legacy

The sinking of the *Cujo* after 26 years brings a strange, full-circle finality to the 1997 tragedy. For many, the vessel’s dramatic end mirrors the abrupt and shocking conclusion of the romance it once hosted. The fact that the yacht, a symbol of their last moments of freedom and happiness, has now been lost to the deep, only adds another layer of melancholy to the narrative.

The yachts, particularly the *Jonikal*, were central to the media frenzy of that summer. Paparazzi pursued the couple relentlessly, capturing the images that fueled global speculation about a possible engagement, with Dodi reportedly purchasing a ring for Diana just before their fatal trip to Paris. The luxury of the superyacht became a metaphor for the gilded cage Diana was attempting to escape and the new, extravagant world Dodi offered her.

The story of the two vessels—one sailing on as a luxury charter (*Isabell Princess Of The Sea*), and the other sinking to a watery grave (*Cujo*)—serves as a powerful, modern parable. It highlights how objects inextricably linked to historical figures can carry a profound emotional weight, even decades later. The recent loss of the *Cujo* ensures that the final summer of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed continues to generate headlines, forever linking the glamour of the French Riviera with an inescapable sense of doom.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

These two superyachts are more than just boats; they are floating monuments to a love affair that captivated the world and ended in one of the most devastating royal tragedies of all time. Their contrasting fates offer a final, poignant footnote to the story of the People's Princess and the man who spent her last holiday with her.