Dramatic footage shot by the Italian Coast Guard showed a burning yacht sinking below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Sardinia.
The 'Lady M-M' yacht was heading to Sardinia from Capri when a fire broke out on board Tuesday.
Footage shows a plume of smoke leaving the boat as it disappeared into the water.
Coast Guard officials said they rescued 17 people from the vessel.
Two Coast Guard boats and a helicopter were involved in the operation.
The 17 people had already abandoned the ship and were in a smaller boat when the Coast Guard arrived.