Renowned musician and poet Nick Cave narrowly escaped tragedy after his luxury yacht capsized off the coast of Monaco on Sunday afternoon. The beloved artist, known for his deep, haunting lyrics and iconic presence, was enjoying a brief holiday when disaster struck.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time. Cave’s yacht, The Mercy Seat, was navigating calm waters when a sudden, powerful squall hit the area. The unexpected gale, combined with a rogue wave, caused the vessel to list sharply before overturning entirely.
Local fisherman Jean-Luc Moreau, who witnessed the chaos, described the terrifying scene:
“The sky darkened quickly, and then the wind roared. I saw the yacht tilt violently—within seconds, it was upside down. I called for help immediately.”
The Monaco Coast Guard, alerted by multiple distress signals, arrived within minutes. Divers quickly located Cave clinging to a piece of debris from the shattered vessel. Despite being visibly shaken and exhausted, the musician remained calm throughout the ordeal.
One of the rescuers, Commander Alain Dupont, praised Cave’s resilience:
“He was remarkably composed. He told us, ‘I wasn’t ready for my last verse just yet.’ We got him to safety swiftly.”
Cave was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Doctors report he is in stable condition, suffering only from mild hypothermia and minor bruises. He is expected to make a full recovery.
In a brief statement from his hospital bed, Cave displayed his characteristic wit:
“I always knew the sea had a dark side. I just didn’t expect to be part of its next ballad.”
News of the incident spread rapidly, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of relief and well-wishes, with long-time friend and collaborator Warren Ellis tweeting:
“Glad you’re safe, mate. The sea may try, but it can’t silence your song.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the sudden squall and the yacht’s structural integrity. Meanwhile, Cave’s management has confirmed that his upcoming tour dates remain unchanged, pending his full recovery.
Though the sea may have tested him, Nick Cave once again proves that even in the face of chaos, his story—and his song—continues.