In a tragic event captured by security cameras, a speedboat carrying passengers erupted in flames at a well-known tourist destination in Thailand. The incident occurred on the serene island of Phuket, claiming the life of a 23-year-old tour guide and leaving five others injured.
The explosion originated from the engine room, with flames quickly consuming the vessel on a Monday morning. The CCTV footage reveals a chaotic scene, as passengers scrambled to escape and onlookers rushed to offer assistance. Nearby individuals attempted to douse the flames with water, while thick black smoke rose ominously into the sky.
In a swift response, the boat was towed into open waters, allowing emergency teams to manage and eventually extinguish the blaze. The vessel, known as Tequila and operated by Once Yachting Phuket Company, was docked at Coco Pier in Ao Makham Bay at the time. It was reportedly awaiting maintenance work, including an engine oil change, according to The Sun.
In the CCTV footage, people on board could be seen fleeing the boat as others nearby rushed to help, hosing the boat with water as black smoke billowed into the air.
The boat was dragged into open water, and emergency crews brought the inferno under control.
The boat, named Tequila and owned by the Once Yachting Phuket Company, was moored at the Coco Pier at Ao Makham Bay in preparation for repairs and an engine oil change, The Sun reported.
Rescuers and divers launched a search operation and found the body of Komphet Warndee, 23, trapped beneath the sunken wreckage.
The tour guide’s body was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Five injured crew members were identified as Niwat Duangmanee, 34, Chutidech Aritcha, 27, Natthawut Poolkawe, 22, Piyathida Phochin, 23, and Komkrit Arundet, 30.
Police are now investigating the cause of the deadly explosion.
The Phuket City Administrative Office said, “Forensic officers have sealed the scene while an inquiry is carried out.”
The boat fire comes just months after more than 20 speedboats were damaged in a fire at Chalong Pier, also on Phuket, on January 7.
The flames were believed to have broken out on a leisure vessel before strong winds fanned them toward neighbouring vehicles in the early hours.
A boat owner said three of his boats, worth around five million baht ($A220,000) each, were damaged.
