“Can a Wartsila Vasa Diesel Reallly Self-Destruct?”
I think the answer to that is an obvious and emphatic ‘yes’.
To the contrary it is possible for synchronous generators to get out of step, either due to excessive torque input or insufficient field strength. In either case both the mechanical and electrical upsets are catastrophic. The generator should trip on overcurrent (current spikes will be huge) but it’s entirely possible extensive mechanical damage will occur before that can happen.
It seems plausible that engines ingesting ambient HC’s could well destructively overspeed before fuel and air trips could take effect.