The Marine Department has ordered a quick investigation into the fire that started this morning on a passenger boat near Koh Tao Island, off the coast of Surat Thani province.
An initial probe found that the fire began in the engine room, but its cause is still under investigation, said the department’s Director General, Kritphet Chaihuay, today.
The boat, carrying 90 passengers and eight crew, departed Surat Thani at about 9:30pm last night, bound for Tao Island, he said, adding that authorities were alerted about the incident at around 6:40am this morning.
The passengers and crew jumped into the sea, and rescue teams hurried to help them. Other tour boats nearby also joined the rescue effort.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was put out by about 8:20am.
Kritphet has already ordered for safety measures to be strengthened as the long Songkran holidays approach.
