Fire destroys $1.8M yacht

CEBU, Philippines - A short circuit that allegedly happened in the engine room totally destroyed a yacht owned by a French national docked at the Cebu Yacht Club in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, yesterday morning.

Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department said the yacht owned by Michel Merchant, who is staying in Lapu-Lapu City.

The fire department received the fire alarm at around 6:20 a.m. yesterday.

Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department investigator FO2 Climaco Salisid said the a crewman of the yacht identified as Junrey Mahilog, 32, a resident of Barangay Cotcot, Liloan town, claimed that they noticed thick smoke coming from the engine room of the said yacht.

With the help of other crew, they tried to save the yacht but failed.

Initial investigation conducted by Salisid disclosed that short circuit caused the fire in the engine room.

No one was reported injured during the incident.  (FREEMAN)