Saddam Hussein's Yacht (Photos)

Saddam Hussein's luxury yacht is being auctioned. The previous ruler of Iraq's massive, 269-foot long yacht was seized when it docked in Nice, France, after ownership disputes between the current Iraqi government and a Jordanian company, Sudeley Limited, owned in part by King Abdullah. The "Ocean Breeze", which is valued at $35 million, comes complete with swimming pool, secret passageways, mini-submarine, and even a ground-to-air missile system, which will not be included.

Built in 1981 by Elsinore, a Danish shipyard, Saddam Hussein's yacht, owned for the moment by the Iraqi government, was not frequented often by the deposed dictator. Despite its "Arabesque arches, dark wood carvings, deep pile carpets in lurid colours, rugs woven with views of holy cities, and gold taps", the mega-yacht, which has been renamed "Basra Breeze", will reportedly need a massive overhaul to make it suitable for modern buyers. The current economic recession is another factor that is affecting even wealthy prospects.

The "Basra Breeze" was anchored off St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat during the legal dispute, but is now docked near the Greek coast. Yacht brokers throughout Europe are now feverishly trying to find buyers.

Saddam Hussein's Yacht Photos

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Saddam Hussein's Yacht (Photos)