The closing weekend of this year’s Cannes Yachting Festivalwas overshadowed by news of a fatal accident on Saturday night (September 12).

Local authorities have confirmed that a 30-year-old Serbian journalist was killed instantly when she jumped off a 12m RIB during a sea trial at around 1900.

It is believed that she panicked and jumped into the sea after a large wave had thrown the skipper and another passenger overboard.

The authorities add that the RIB’s killcord was not being used at the time of the incident.

Saint Raphael maritime police and Cannes police have launched a joint investigation, adding that they intend to study video evidence of the incident.

Local reports suggest that the vessel involved was a Cantieri Magazzù MX-12 Grand Sport, which was unveiled last week at the Cannes Yachting Festival, although this has not yet been confirmed.