The fire engulfed a luxury yacht owned by professional poker player «Lion»

The 88-foot vessel caught fire on Saturday evening. Photo: FRCO, SISI

An 88-foot luxury yacht owned by a professional poker player known as «The Lion» caught fire off the Mediterranean island of Formentera.

Twelve passengers and five crew members were forced to evacuate the ship, as it was engulfed in fire on Saturday evening. The 39-year-old Spaniard was later hospitalized with minor burns.

It is not known if his owner, Diego Gomez González, got his nickname after wearing a lion suit on the 2012 European Poker Tour. , was on board at the time.

Its owner, Diego Gomez González

Spectators gathered to watch “Irmao Yacht quickly engulfed in flames. The flames were reportedly seen on the nearby island of Ibiza.

The vessel, complete with jacuzzi, jet skis and VIP cabin, was later reported by the Spanish Coast Guard.

Officials said they tried to tow it with the help of the Coast Guard. boat shipped from Mallorca. However, he eventually slipped underwater near a natural landmark known as Punta de Sa Pedrera.