The 34.2-metre sailing yacht Obsession II has been badly damaged following a fire in Chalong Bay in the Phuket province of Thailand (20 May).
According to an official statement, the Royal Thai Navy was alerted at 3.00pm and sent boats Tor 111 and Tor 272 to investigate. Obsession II was then found anchored, unattended and "continuously burning".
Two other boats, including a speedboat, were also on the scene to help extinguish the blaze.
Local reports claim that the resulting smoke was dramatic enough to be seen from several hotels on the coast.
While the fire was eventually extinguished, the damage was so severe that Obsession II was left with her mast levelled. No injuries were reported.
Designed by Olivier Racoupeau, Obsession II was delivered in 2002 as the flagship of French yard CIM. She was reportedly being used as a charter vessel when the incident occurred.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. BOAT International will update the story as it develops.