Surat Thani, Thailand – On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, a ferry carrying 97 Thai and foreign passengers, along with 11 boat crew members, caught fire near Turtle Island (Koh Tao) in the Koh Pha Ngan district. The incident occurred during the morning hours, prompting a swift response from relevant authorities, rescue workers, and boat operators.
The Surat Thani Marine Office received notification of the emergency at 7:00 A.M. in the Koh Tao sub-district. As the fire engulfed the vessel, some passengers were forced to jump into the water. Fortunately, all 108 individuals on board were successfully rescued.
During the harrowing experience several passengers suffered minor injuries and breathing difficulties from smoke inhalation. The fire was brought under control by 8:20 A.M., but not without damage to some vehicles on the ferry. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated in the ferry’s engine room.
The ill-fated ferry had departed from a pier in Surat Thani the previous night, setting sail at 11:00 P.M. It tragically caught fire as it approached its destination near another pier in the morning.
Authorities are closely examining the cause of the incident to prevent similar accidents in the future. The safety and well-being of passengers remain a top priority for maritime authorities in the region.
