A ferryboat traveling from Surat Thani province to Koh Tao encountered a perilous situation early Thursday, April 4тх, when flames engulfed the vessel. The incident, witnessed by 108 individuals, prompted a swift and coordinated response that led to the successful rescue of all passengers and crew.
The alarm was raised when a passenger detected the sound of crackling and the scent of smoke moments before the ferry was scheduled to dock at Koh Tao. As the situation rapidly escalated, individuals onboard sprang into action, donning life vests and evacuating the vessel amid scenes of chaos and distress.
Maitree Promjampa, a witness to the harrowing event, recounted the urgency of the situation, noting the challenges in securing life-saving equipment amidst the turmoil. Despite the chaos, all passengers, comprising 97 individuals, were successfully evacuated from the vessel, as confirmed by Surat Thani officials.
Video footage captured the frantic evacuation, with passengers hastily exiting the ferry's cabin while navigating through thick smoke. Prompt response from neighboring vessels aided in the rescue effort, although the proximity to the engulfed ferry posed challenges.
Survivors, including Maitree, described the necessity of resorting to sea evacuation as nearby boats cautiously approached the distressed vessel. With the risk of potential explosions looming, passengers were compelled to leap into the sea to ensure their safety. Notably, the ferry also accommodated several vehicles during the journey.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire, attributing its origin to the engine compartment. Despite the severity of the blaze, prompt action averted a disastrous outcome, with the ferry remaining afloat.
The ferry route from Surat Thani to Koh Tao serves as a vital link for commuters and tourists alike, with Koh Tao situated ~60 miles from the coastline.