A speedboat in southern Thailand caught fire, causing massive flames and leaving one person missing and five others injured. The incident took place at a pier in Ao Makham Bay on the popular holiday island of Phuket, where the vessel named Tequila was undergoing engine repairs.
Witnesses saw people jumping into the water to assist those onboard as the fire engulfed the boat. Emergency crews worked to control the blaze, with thick smoke billowing from the vessel off Coco Pier around 10.30 am local time.
Workers bravely entered the water to untie the boat and rescue those onboard. Unfortunately, a tour guide who attempted to help went missing during the rescue operation. The burning boat was towed away from the dock into open water, and it was during this process that Komphet Wanadee, 24, disappeared after going underwater.
Authorities confirmed that there were no tourists onboard the boat, only crew members. Five individuals sustained minor injuries and were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The crew members were identified as Niwat Duangmani, Chutidet Arischa, Muhammad Husam Tiangnoi, Piyathida Pojin, and Komkrit Arunadet.
Officials from the Phuket City Administrative Office reported that the fire is now under control, thanks to the efforts of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation’s fire boat. The cause of the fire is suspected to be an explosion on the vessel. Divers have been deployed to search for the missing tour guide, and the area has been cordoned off for safety.
The incident occurred just before the boat’s passenger insurance policy was due to expire on April 10. This incident is reminiscent of a previous fire at Chalong Pier in January, where over 20 speedboats were damaged due to a blaze that started on a leisure vessel and spread to neighboring boats. Investigations revealed that the boats were fully fueled in preparation for tourist trips to nearby islands, resulting in significant financial losses for boat owners.