A 91-foot luxury superyacht named Da Vinci has sunk off the coast of Formentera in Spain’s Balearic Islands after a massive fire broke out onboard. The incident happened on August 11, about 7.3 miles southwest of the island.
Spanish maritime rescue authorities said the yacht had seven people on board, including four passengers, two crew members, and the captain, all of whom were evacuated safely and are in good health.
According to reports, the fire is believed to have started in the engine room and spread rapidly throughout the vessel. Despite the quick arrival of a large firefighting vessel and multiple rescue boats, the flames could not be contained.
Rescuers said the blaze intensified when the yacht was being towed, eventually destroying the vessel and causing it to sink.
Incendio a bordo de embarcación Da Vinci a 7,3 millas al SW de Punta Gavina (Formentera). CCS Palma moviliza Guardamar Concepción Arenal y Salvamar Naos, que traslada también bomberos. Los 7 tripulantes han sido evacuados por la Naos a tierra en buen estado. El incendio no ha… pic.twitter.com/co0uHoi4gn
— SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO (@salvamentogob) August 11, 2025
Footage released by Spain’s maritime search and rescue agency, Salvamento Marítimo, showed the yacht completely engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising into the sky. The dramatic video also captured flames ripping through the cabins as the yacht swayed in the water.
Rescue authorities reported that the vessels Guardamar Concepción Arenal and Salvamar Naos were deployed, with Naos transporting the rescued individuals to shore.
Firefighters were also brought in to help extinguish the fire. After the sinking, the Guardamar remained at the scene to clean up debris.
The Da Vinci was part of the Astondoa 95 GLX series, built between 1997 and 2004. It was designed for luxury cruising and could accommodate ten guests, including an owner’s suite.
References: superyachttimes, stv news
Source: Maritime Shipping News