Two Marine Rescue boats were dispatched to Cala Saona beach on Formentera to assess a report about a motor yacht fire. The vessel, measuring 45 meters in length, was found to be completely engulfed in flames, sending a dense plume of black smoke into the air. The smoke rose high enough to be visible from the coastline and even from the neighboring island of Ibiza, creating a stark spectacle against the Mediterranean horizon.
Salvamento Marítimo, Spain’s maritime rescue service, received the distress call around 17 hours after the incident began. In response, two patrol boats were sent from Ibiza to the area. The vessels involved were Salvamar Acrux and Guardamar Concepción Arenal, both of which proceeded to battle the growing fire and coordinate the ongoing rescue operations. All seven crew members aboard the yacht managed to evacuate, avoiding serious injuries as the flames surged through the vessel’s structure.
In the initial moments of the emergency, Salvamento Marítimo reported that the wreck itself had sent out an aid request to other nearby ships, seeking assistance to transfer non-crew passengers at the earliest opportunity. Rescue officials confirmed that the yacht crew members were on duty at the time of the incident and were actively involved in fire response operations. While initial containment appeared possible, the intensity of the blaze intensified, complicating suppression efforts and necessitating the withdrawal of crew on board to ensure their safety. The responding teams prioritized a rapid, coordinated withdrawal and continued to deploy extinguishing agents and supply lines to the burning hull.
News sources have since provided estimates regarding the vessel’s value and ownership, noting claims that the yacht is connected to a prominent car manufacturer and is assessed at around 25 million dollars. While such figures may vary between outlets, the prevailing summary indicates a high-value asset that has suffered substantial damage in the incident. The report underscores the significance of swift, cooperative action among maritime responders and nearby shipping traffic to prevent further danger as the situation evolved. [Source attribution: maritime rescue authorities and industry coverage]
Eyewitness accounts and official briefings describe a scene of urgent coordination: rescue crews worked under pressure to stabilize the area, ensure the safety of all responders, and secure the vicinity from fuel or electrical hazards that could ignite anew. Investigators are expected to review the sequence of events to determine the blaze’s origin, the efficiency of the initial response, and any lessons that could be applied to future incidents along this busy stretch of coast. In the meantime, the coastal community remains attentive to ongoing updates as emergency services maintain a watchful presence over the scene. [Source attribution: official statements and independent reporting]