Spanish authorities have reported that a yacht caught fire and sank in the Mediterranean Sea near Spain's Balearic Islands on Monday, August 11.
The 28-metre Da Vinci was approximately 12 kilometres southwest of Formentera in Ibiza when a blaze ignited in her engine room at around 18:20 local time on Monday.
Local search and rescue (SAR) agency Salvamento Maritimo despatched a rescue boat to attempt to tow the yacht to shore, as officials initially believed that the fire had been brought under control. However, the fire quickly spread throughout the vessel, which later sank.
Officials said that all seven people who were on board have been rescued and are in good condition.
The Balearic Institute of Nature (IBANAT) had deployed a patrol boat to assist in the SAR operation. The rescued passengers and crew were first brought aboard the IBANAT patrol boat then transferred to the Salvamento Maritimo rescue boat, which brought them to shore.
Another Salvamento Maritimo vessel has been sent to the area to collect debris resulting from the sinking.