Durban Harbour was abuzz on Thursday morning with news that one of the world's largest super yachts, the motor yacht Octopus, had slipped quietly into port.
The 126m Octopus is one of three owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and is by far his largest. Octopus is regarded as the fourth-longest super yacht in the world.
Octopus has on board two helicopters with a helipad for each at either end of the vessel, a submarine, an 18m-long tender, along with six smaller tenders for ferrying guests, and a 4x4 vehicle to use when ashore.
The yacht has seven decks, a basketball court and a swimming pool for recreation and exercise.
The crew complement is about 60, including, according to some reports, several former Navy Seals who act as security officers whenever there are high-profile guests on board or when the vessel is operating in risky waters.
The reason for the yacht's visit to Durban is a mystery, as is normally the case with many of the super yachts, but it is believed Octopus will be making forays to the north of Durban from early next week and will return to the city later.
A large number of guests, up to 50, are expected to join the vessel in Durban soon.
Octopus was built in Germany and launched in 2003.