Before Jeff Bezos had a $600 million superyacht fleet complete with support vessels and onboard medical clinics, he spent New Year’s like a relatively ordinary millionaire on a cruise ship in the Galapagos Islands. But on the first day of 2014, his tropical holiday was dramatically cut short by a sudden health scare that required an emergency evacuation by the Ecuadorian Navy.
As reported by the Guardian, at the time, Bezos was worth approximately $25 billion and held the 19th spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s richest individuals. Despite his immense wealth, the Amazon founder’s ordeal was a reminder that no one is immune to the surprise of medical emergencies, especially when traveling in remote locations.
Bezos was cruising between Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands, both part of the Galapagos archipelago and famous for their unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. In the mid-afternoon, he was struck by an unexpected bout of discomfort that quickly escalated into a serious health concern.
A local doctor was quickly sent to the yacht to stabilize him, and soon afterward, a military helicopter landed on a football field near Academy Bay on Santa Cruz Island. The Ecuadorian Navy then flew Bezos about 20 miles to Baltra Island, where his private jet stood ready to return him to the United States for further medical attention.
Though the entire operation was handled swiftly, the scale of coordination revealed the limitations of even luxurious vacations when faced with unexpected health issues. Cruise ships, even private ones, generally do not have the extensive medical facilities necessary to treat such conditions.
Unlike today’s billion-dollar vessels, they are not typically equipped with advanced clinics or onboard doctors for specialized emergencies. While some large private yachts have medical staff or dedicated treatment rooms, Bezos’ cruise at the time did not offer that level of readiness.
Back then, Bezos was just emerging as a household name beyond the business world. He had recently purchased the Washington Post for $250 million and was making headlines not just for Amazon’s rapid growth but also for his expanding influence in media and technology. Yet during the emergency, it wasn’t boardrooms or newsrooms that mattered, but how quickly he could be stabilized and moved to a hospital. It was a vivid example of how, regardless of one’s net worth, biology can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
The story first broke on local Ecuadorian websites before reaching international media. Bezos later confirmed the incident with a short, humorous email to Reuters, saying, “Galapagos: five stars. The health scare: zero stars.” It was a humanizing moment for a man often viewed through the lens of corporate ambition and global domination. While the world saw a billionaire airlifted from paradise, it also saw a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities of a man still years away from launching into space or commissioning history’s most expensive sailing yacht.
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Bezos’ superyacht fleet
Fast forward to today, and Bezos now sails in an entirely different league. His primary yacht, Koru, is a 417-foot sailing yacht built by Oceanco and estimated to cost around $500 million. With sleek black hull lines and three massive masts towering above its teak decks, Koru blends traditional elegance with cutting-edge technology. It features multiple decks, a swimming pool, sunbathing terraces, a beach club, several lounges, and reportedly a wellness center.
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Designed for both performance and luxury, Koru can cruise under sail without the need for constant engine use, reflecting Bezos’ appreciation for both sustainability and style.
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The name Koru, a Māori symbol representing new beginnings and personal growth, was reportedly chosen to reflect a new chapter in Bezos’ life.
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Accompanying Koru is its support vessel, Abeona, named after the Roman goddess of outward journeys. Built by Damen Yachting, Abeona measures around 246 feet in length and is valued at roughly $75 million. Unlike traditional yachts, support vessels like Abeona are designed to carry equipment, tenders, submarines, jet skis, and even cars.
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Abeona is also believed to house extra crew quarters, guest overflow suites, and crucially, a fully equipped onboard medical clinic—an amenity that directly addresses the kind of medical emergency Bezos once faced in the Galapagos. Its helideck allows for emergency airlifts or discreet arrivals and departures, providing Bezos with an unmatched level of logistical flexibility.
Together, Koru and Abeona form a two-yacht ecosystem that allows Bezos to explore the world’s oceans in maximum comfort, privacy, and safety. No longer dependent on third-party cruise ships or foreign navies, he now sails with the peace of mind that any need, from recreation to emergency care, is already onboard.
