Microsoft co-founder's yacht tears up protected coral reef in Cayman Islands

• Paul Allen's 330ft vessel destroys 80% of reef in protected zone
• Allen's foundation supports marine conservation and tackles overfishing

A yacht owned by Microsoft co-founder and marine conservationist Paul Allen has ploughed into a sensitive reef in the Cayman Islands, destroying the majority of coral on the protected ecosystem.

The MV Tatoosh, a 300ft yacht owned by the billionaire Allen, ripped up 14,000 square feet of coral reef in the West Bay replenishment zone, according to local officials. About 80% of the reef, situated in a protected area, was destroyed by the ship's chain. It is thought that Allen was not on board at the time.