The world’s largest sailing yacht, which last April was anchored in Douglas bay, has been seized as part of Italy’s sanctions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Superyacht A, owned by Russian oligarch billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, was confiscated by police in Trieste.

The 143m vessel, which is worth around £442 million, cut an imposing figure as it sheltered in Douglas Bay from tides until it was able to continue its journey.

Registered in Bermuda, the triple-masted ship was built in Kiel, Germany.

The Official Journal of the European Union said that Melnichenko, who recently met with President Vladimir Putin, was part of ‘most influential circle of Russian businesspeople with close connections to the Russian Government.

Italy is among many the Western nations to bring in sanctions against Russian business figures with close ties to the Russian government.

Along with aircraft, the Isle of Man government has also so far de-registered two yachts owned by individuals or organisations which have connections with Russia.

A statement from the Department for Enterprise said that it ‘continues to play its part in international efforts to put pressure on the Russian economy and as such the department is also taking proactive steps to actively exclude all Russian and Belarusian business from its Air and Ship Registries’.

Enterprise Minister Dr Alex Allinson said that a ‘detailed review’ was underway with the relevant agencies to establish any further connections with Russia [of aircraft and yachts] and ensure that appropriate steps are taken in a robust and timely fashion.

So far, at least 18 planes and helicopters identified as having connections to Russia have been de-registered by the Isle of Man.