The boat was carrying 22 people for a diving excursion around Koh Tao, Thailand.PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre in Surat Thani province received a distress report that a tour boat caught fire around the northern Koh Tao island.
The Sunday morning report indicated a fire on the Davy Jones Locker, which was carrying 22 people for a diving excursion around Koh Tao.
The fire broke out while the boat was transporting tourists from Koh Tao to a diving site about five to six nautical miles from Koh Tao.
A total of 22 people were on board, including two crew members, four diving instructors and 16 tourists.
Surat Thani rescuers coordinated with local agencies, private vessels, and volunteers to evacuate all passengers and crew.
Meanwhile, another team of volunteers worked to contain the fire, which initially damaged the engine room, captain’s cabin, and rear restroom. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation.
After the fire was extinguished, the authorities conducted a thorough check of the passengers and discovered that one person was missing, a British woman identified as Alexandra. — The Nation/ANN
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