The eerie $50million ghost ship

Mikhail Lesin, 57, was found dead in early November and there was speculation he was murdered on Moscow's orders or even faked his death.

His yacht Serenity, a 55m monster produced by the Dutch Heesen shipyards, was photographed stranded at the Rivergate Marina on the Brisbane River on Christmas Eve.

The Courier Mail first reported the ship belonged to Mr Lesin. Records show it arrived in Brisbane from Cairns on September 14 and has been moored at the refitting yard ever since. 

Mr Lesin has been described as a 'Svengali figure for Putin', who was alleged to have menaced the Russian media into idolizing the strongman president as his press minister from 1999 to 2004. 

He later founded the pro-Russian English language news channel RT, which is now seen by critics as something of a propaganda arm for Putin's government.

The Daily Mail exclusively revealed in November that only weeks before his death was announced, Mr Lesin fathered a child with glamorous model and flight attendant Victoria Rakhimbayeva.

Pictures of Ms Rakhimbaveya showed her travelling around the world on a boat - although it was unclear whether she was aboard the same exclusive vessel.

The luxury yacht's interior was designed by architects, according to luxury yacht news source Charter World, and contains eleven different types of marble, including Iranian gold onyx. 

The boat has been described as having a 'celestial atmosphere' and can comfortably accommodate more than twelve guests in its six cabins spread over four floors. 

Inside the stateroom - where the boat's owner would likely live - the ceiling features painting of 'a sky adorned with fluffy clouds'.   

Leading yacht broker Jim Sismanes, of Premier Yachting, said he knew of a smaller Heesen yacht of 44m which was advertised with a price of around 20 million euro.

He said a boat of Serenity's size would likely be worth around 30 million euro, or up to $AUD 50 million. 

'It's big by Australian standards, that's a very large boat,' said Mr Sismanes. 'It's a very, very reputable brand'.

Rivergate Marina general manager Andrew Cannon did not return calls and text messages on Thursday.

The marina has deep water access and describes itself as 'Australia's premier superyacht refit and project management destination'.

A spokeswoman said the marina does not comment on boats or their owners.  

(dailymail.co.uk)