Luxury Yacht Engulfed in Flames off Mediterranean Island
In a startling incident off the serene Mediterranean island of Formentera, an 88-foot luxury yacht, purportedly owned by a professional poker player known as ‘The Lion’, became engulfed in flames. Despite the intense speed at which the yacht transformed into a raging fire, the five crew members and twelve passengers aboard managed to evacuate in time.
The Inferno Unfolds
The Italian-designed cruiser, valued at nearly £40,000 for charter, caught fire while anchored off Es Cavall d’en Borras beach in the Ses Salines Natural Park.
Witnesses in nearby boats watched in shock as the yacht, named Irmao, was consumed by flames, emitting thick black smoke into the sky.
The Owner – Diego Gomez Gonzalez, aka The Lion
The yacht’s owner, Diego Gomez Gonzalez, also known as ‘The Lion’, is a 34-year-old professional poker player from Madrid.
He earned his moniker by appearing at the 2012 European Poker Tour in Prague wearing a full-body lion costume. Reports suggest that he honed his poker skills by playing with friends and family before venturing into online poker and later joining the Spanish poker circuit.
A Scene of Devastation
Videos of the incident reveal the devastating aftermath of the fire. The interior of the yacht appears to be completely gutted by the roaring flames.
The yacht, stationed in Ibiza, boasts extravagant features and amenities, offering 12 berths in a combination of cabins, a deck jacuzzi, and access to watersport equipment.
Emergency Response and a Past Incident
Spanish coastguards responded swiftly to the emergency, towing the yacht away from the shore to prevent further danger.
This incident follows a similar case last year when a £20 million superyacht caught fire off the coast of Ibiza, sending plumes of black smoke visible even from the neighboring island of Majorca.
As investigations continue, the yacht, once a symbol of luxury and relaxation, now stands as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of maritime adventures.
World News