A superyacht owned by Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie has sparked backlash after footage showed a helicopter flying between the luxury vessel and its support ship off the coast of Marbella.
The 110-metre megayacht Kaos, reportedly worth around €300million, was spotted off Puerto Banus last week alongside its 67-metre support vessel Kalm.
But the sight of the vast yacht convoy has triggered criticism online after videos appeared to show a helicopter repeatedly taking off and landing between the two vessels.
One viral post, viewed more than 100,000 times, accused the ultra-rich of living in a world far removed from ordinary people.
‘Two boats and a helicopter so they can have everything and not mix with the staff,’ the post read.
‘While this inequality exists, it is impossible to end climate change.’
The footage, filmed from the Marbella shoreline, shows Kaos anchored offshore while a helicopter can be seen landing on the yacht.
‘And I can’t drive my car into the centre’
The video prompted a wave of sarcastic comments from Malaga locals, many contrasting the emissions of superyachts and private aircraft with the environmental rules imposed on ordinary citizens.
One user wrote: ‘And I can’t take my car into the city centre because it pollutes’ – referencing the city’s highly controversial low emissions zone.
Another joked: ‘And we are eating ice cream with cardboard spoons.’
A third added: ‘Guys, don’t worry, I use cardboard straws to reduce pollution.’
Others complained about recycling rules, plastic restrictions and low-emission zones while billionaires continue to travel by superyacht and helicopter.
Kaos returns to Spain
Kaos, built by Dutch shipyard Oceanco, is one of the world’s most recognisable private yachts and has previously attracted attention from climate activists.
The vessel was targeted twice by activists in 2023, including in Ibiza, where protesters sprayed paint on the yacht to denounce the emissions and environmental impact of extreme wealth.
Its latest appearance on the Costa del Sol has again placed the spotlight on the carbon footprint of superyachts, private helicopters and the lifestyles of the ultra-rich.
Earlier this month, local media reported that Kaos had arrived in Puerto Banus with Kalm, a support vessel used to carry equipment, tenders and other supplies.
The yacht has space for dozens of guests and crew and is understood to include luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, gym and spa facilities.
A symbol of inequality
For critics, the Marbella footage has become another symbol of what they describe as the unequal burden of climate policy.
Ordinary residents are increasingly subject to low-emission zones, recycling rules, plastic bans and restrictions on older vehicles, while some of the world’s richest individuals continue using private yachts, support vessels and helicopters for leisure.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
