Poker Yacht caught fire at 6 PM!!!
A terrifying event unfolded off the Mediterranean island of Formentera, as a luxury yacht reportedly owned by celebrated poker player Diego Gomez Gonzalez, also known by his moniker ‘The Lion’, caught fire. The 88-foot vessel, christened Irmao, was home to 12 passengers and five crew members during the incident, all of whom were able to evacuate in time, barring one crew member who suffered minor burns.
Incident Visuals
The incident occurred on a sunny Saturday evening when the Irmao yacht burst into flames, transforming the luxury cruiser into a floating fireball. The fire grew rapidly, consuming the vessel and causing onlookers nearby to watch in horror as the yacht was transformed into a blazing inferno. Thick plumes of black smoke filled the otherwise pristine sky, the sight visible even from the neighboring island of Ibiza.
The Yacht – Irmao
The Irmao yacht, built in 1995, was a spectacle of luxury boasting a VIP cabin, a double cabin, and four twin cabins capable of accommodating 12 guests. The yacht also featured a deck jacuzzi and provided access to a variety of water sports equipment. Irmao was based in Ibiza and was often made available for charter vacations. The cost of chartering the yacht during the summer peak season exceeded £45,000.
The Owner – Diego Gomez Gonzalez aka ‘The Lion’
Diego Gomez Gonzalez, the purported owner of the Irmao, is a widely recognized figure in the poker world. Born in Madrid in 1988, Gonzalez earned his moniker ‘The Lion’ after dressing up in a full-body lion costume at the final table of the 2012 European Poker Tour in Prague. His poker career has been illustrious, and he has amassed nearly $500,000 in live tournament cashes according to The Hendon Mob.
Aftermath of the Incident
In the aftermath of the fire, Spanish coastguards were seen towing the flaming yacht further out to sea in an effort to mitigate potential damage to the surrounding area. However, despite their efforts, the vessel eventually sank off a natural landmark named Punta de Sa Pedrera.
Upon assessing the situation, Formentera Council officials assured that they would continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and stated that no fuel contamination had so far been detected.
Gonzalez’s Poker Career
Diego Gomez Gonzalez, The Lion, is a force to be reckoned with in the poker world. His poker career began at a young age when he would play with his family and school friends. Gonzalez later ventured into the world of online poker and subsequently joined the Spanish poker circuit.
His most notable poker triumphs include:
- A fifth-place finish at the 2012 European Poker Tour in Prague, earning him £201,819.
- A second-place finish at the No Limit Hold’em High Roller – Master Finale EPT, Dortmund in 2013, yielding £30,063.
- A 43rd place finish at the No Limit Hold’em – PP Caribbean Poker Party, Punta Cana in 2017, earning him £19,694.
- A 59th place finish at the PS Caribbean Adventure, Paradise Island in 2015, where he won £19,016.
- A 593rd place finish at the No Limit Hold’em Main event championship – World Series of Poker, Las Vegas in 2017, earning him £17,684.
Final Thoughts
This unfortunate incident is a solemn reminder of the unpredictability and volatility of life. The disaster that befell the Irmao yacht is indeed tragic, but the fact that all aboard were able to safely evacuate and that no major injuries were reported is a silver lining in this otherwise dark cloud.
As for Diego Gomez Gonzalez, this incident, while undoubtedly distressing, is unlikely to deter the poker player who has faced and overcome countless challenges throughout his career. The poker world, like its players, is resilient and will continue to thrive in the face of adversity. It is this resilience that makes the game, and its players, a source of endless fascination and admiration.
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