A luxurious superyacht has been designed which transforms into a submarine to become a top-secret hideout for the rich and famous.
The extravagant hybrid vessel, dubbed Carapace, is the ultimate billionaire's retreat and offers total privacy from prying eyes.
With a top surface speed of 16 knots, the ship is almost eight times the length of a double decker bus and will delve into the depths of the ocean for 10 days at a time.
Designers say that diplomats and business bosses can step onboard the vessel to hold important meetings, 'defining agreements or treaties in complete secrecy'.
Famous faces and wealthy lovers of the ocean can also enjoy the splendour of the vessel - catching rays on the deck's sun loungers before unwinding in VIP cabins as it travels underwater at 13 knots.
The 256ft yacht - which has a light aluminium superstructure - will boast magnificent views of the underwater world as it glides through the ocean at a maximum depth of almost 985ft.
Guests enjoying a nautical adventure onboard will have the chance to pamper themselves in a wellness area and relax in living spaces - also designed for passengers with limited mobility.
Once built, the superyacht - designed by Italian Elena Nappi - is likely to have a price tag of hundreds of millions of pounds.
The 34-year-old, who works for Italian ship building company Fincantieri, said the superyacht will be able to travel 2,400 miles.
The designer, who lives in Trieste, Italy, said: "The submarine is a naval vehicle designed to navigate both on the surface and in diving.
"That is, it is able to move and operate both on the surface of the sea, like all other ships, and under water."
She added: "Whoever buys a boat does not need just a boat, but needs the sea, to feel free, to dream, needs emotions, to feel fulfilled and appreciated, needs supplies to stay away for a long time, needs security, of prestige, of comfort, of beautiful experiences.
"Today with the run-up to ever larger boats to show off at the port, contact with water has been lost and it is time to restore it."
