Mansour's yacht-يخت المنصور الرئاسي, Basra Travel Guide

Mansour's Yacht, or *yaht al-mansur alriyasiy*, is a historical landmark in Basrah, representing a fascinating, albeit somber, chapter in Iraq's past. Once a symbol of Saddam Hussein's power and opulence, the yacht now rests as a partially submerged wreck in the Shatt al-Arab river.Built in 1983 by Wärtsilä in Finland, the 120-meter yacht boasted luxurious amenities, including a grand hall for 200 guests, a mini-submarine escape pod, and even alleged missile launchers. It served as a floating palace, hosting lavish parties and showcasing the dictator's extravagance. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the yacht was bombed by US forces, leaving it in its current state.Today, Mansour's Yacht serves as a stark reminder of Iraq's tumultuous history and the excesses of its former regime. While it is not fully accessible for tours, its presence on the Shatt al-Arab offers a unique, if unsettling, attraction for visitors to Basrah. The site is a poignant reflection on the past, drawing those interested in the modern history of Iraq.