The 27.55-metre motor yacht Irmao burst into flames before sinking in Formentera, Spain, on Saturday 12 August. According to online news sources, the 17 people onboard the yacht at the time were rescued and brought to safety.
The luxury yacht had five crew members and 12 passengers onboard at the time of the fire, with only one crew member reported to require hospital treatment for minor burns. The fire is believed to have started at around 6pm on Saturday evening when the alarm was sounded. The fire spread rapidly throughout the motor yacht before she eventually sank near Punta de Sa Pedrera, Formentera around 9pm local time.
It has been reported that the motor yacht is allegedly owned by professional poker player Diego Gomez Gonzalez, but it remains unknown as to whether he was onboard the yacht at the time of the fire.
The Spanish Coastguard commented on the fire in a short statement claiming, “private vessels rescued the 17 people onboard”, confirming, “our centre in the Majorcan capital Palma, mobilised Acrux which towed the yacht, while it was on fire, but it sank.”
Videos and images recorded by onlookers depicting the fire show the luxury motor yacht ravaged by flames and submerged in black smoke.
Prior to the all-engulfing fire, Irmao could accommodate up to 14 guests onboard, with space for up to four crew members, including the captain. She was originally delivered by the Spain-based shipyard, Astondoa in 1995, featuring both interior and exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard, while her naval architecture was the work of her builder. Regarding performance, Irmao previously boasted a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of up to 29 knots