Drama at Puerto Portals as yacht goes up in smoke

A 12 metre Sunseeker speedboat, the White Sails, with seven British people and her skipper on board, caught fire and sank off Puerto Portals yesterday. All those on board were rescued uninjured by several privately-owned boats.
British resident Robin Musters was an eyewitness to the fire, as he and his wife were lunching on their terrace.
He said that the yacht “was quickly engulfed in black smoke and a few minutes later a gas bottle exploded. A life raft was deployed, but we didn't see anyone rescued from it. There were several small boats in the vicinity, but there was nothing they could do. “In a few minutes the Customs and Excise boat arrived and turned their hoses on to it. The Puerto Portals launch was next with its efficient pump and hose. Some minutes later the Rescue Boat arrived and added its hose.” By that time, he says, “the boat was drifting towards the Punta Negra Hotel, so it was towed out away from the shore and further attempts were made to put the fire out.” It eventually proved to be impossible to put out the fire, and the yacht sank to a depth of about 25 metres, according to rescue service sources.
Additional pictures, right, by Michels.