Residents along Kenya’s Coast have been left in awe after a multimillion-dollar luxury yacht christened “SALT” docked off the shores of Kilifi County, drawing crowds and sparking waves of curiosity both on land and online.
Photos and videos of the gleaming dark vessel have gone viral across social media platforms, with locals capturing the moment the majestic yacht anchored in the Indian Ocean. Many coastal residents flocked to the waterfront to snap pictures, while Kenyans online speculated endlessly about who the mysterious owner might be.
The SALT yacht, previously known as “VOICE”, briefly became the subject of speculation after reports claimed it had been seized on suspicion of carrying illegal weapons.
However, authorities in Kilifi County dismissed those claims, clarifying that the yacht had only been detained for lacking an entry permit.
Authorities confirmed that the vessel was carrying six foreign tourists, all of whom were found in possession of legally registered firearms. They said that the temporary hold was a standard immigration and customs procedure.
About the yacht ‘SALT’
Built in Italy by CRN and delivered in 2020, SALT is a 62-metre (61.98 m) motor yacht boasting world-class luxury and engineering. The vessel was designed and styled by Nuvolari Lenard, one of the most prestigious yacht design firms in the world.
The yacht is powered by two MTU diesel engines, giving it a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. It has a beam of 11.5 metres, a gross tonnage of 1,288 GT, and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in six lavish staterooms, supported by a crew of 17.
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SALT features a steel displacement hull with a bulbous bow and an aluminium superstructure, combining strength and performance. Her sleek exterior, painted in a smoky quartz hull with silver-sand superstructure and jet-black detailing, gives her a distinctive and modern look.
With five expansive decks, the superyacht offers multiple outdoor lounges and several alfresco dining areas, a Jacuzzi, a fold-out swim platform, and a spacious beach club.
Her full owner’s deck features floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views, while the sun deck hosts a large swimming pool that can be enjoyed both at anchor and while cruising.
Interior design and estimated price
Inside, the interiors — designed by Valentina Zannier of Nuvolari Lenard — are described as a “treasure trove of fine details.” Custom-made furnishings, intricate geometric patterns, and a sophisticated lighting system allow guests to adjust ambiance and brightness to match the mood or music.
The yacht’s studio-quality sound system, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning ensure an immersive onboard experience.
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The vessel also includes a garage large enough to store two custom tenders and several water toys, underscoring its design for comfort, leisure, and exploration.
The 62-metre yacht, then known as VOICE, was listed for sale in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in November 2024 for €65 million (approximately $75.2 million/Ksh9.72 billion), before being sold in a private off-market deal in June 2025.
The final sale price was not publicly disclosed. In addition, the owner of the superyacht has not been publicly disclosed, as the ownership has been kept private since its delivery in 2020.
Currently sailing under the British Virgin Islands flag, SALT ranks among the top 5% of the largest yachts in the world by length and is the 9th-largest vessel ever built by CRN.
It was also the first CRN yacht built to comply with IMO Tier III environmental standards, featuring reduced emissions and exceptionally quiet cruising technology.
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