21-5-2024 (BANGKOK) A luxury sailing yacht worth millions was left with its mast leveled and extensive damage after a fierce blaze ripped through the vessel while moored in Chalong Bay on Monday afternoon. Marine officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire that devastated the 34.2-meter Obsession II.
The alarm was raised around 3 pm, prompting the Royal Thai Navy to dispatch two boats, Tor 111 and Tor 272, to the scene. Upon arrival, they reported the unattended Obsession II anchored and “continuously burning.”
For nearly three and a half hours, firefighters battled the raging inferno before finally bringing the blaze under control. Fortunately, no crew members were on board at the time the fire broke out, as they had disembarked to purchase supplies ashore.
According to Natchapong Pranit, director of the Phuket Marine Office, the initial response involved attempts by firefighters to utilize the yacht’s onboard extinguishing equipment. However, the intensity of the flames forced them to retreat for their own safety, necessitating assistance from the navy and two additional vessels, including a speedboat.
While no injuries have been reported, the full extent of the damage to the Obsession II is still being assessed by the authorities.
Delivered in 2002 as the flagship of the French shipyard CIM, the Obsession II was reportedly being operated as a charter vessel by Selalai, a Phuket-based company, at the time of the incident. With a capacity to accommodate eight passengers and five crew members, the luxurious yacht now lies crippled, its once-majestic mast reduced to a twisted wreckage.
