British Tourist Missing After Dive Boat Fire Near Koh Tao

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Picture courtesy of AMARIN TV

 

A British holidaymaker, 27-year-old Alexandra May Clarke, has gone missing after a dive boat she was on burst into flames near Koh Tao, a popular diving destination in Thailand. The incident occurred today as the vessel headed towards a prime diving site about five nautical miles from the island.

 

The dive boat, named Davy Jones Locker, was carrying a total of 22 people. This included 16 tourists, two diving instructors, two assistant instructors, and two crew members. As the fire broke out, passengers were forced to leap into the sea for safety, while a nearby vessel swiftly responded to aid those on board.

 

Rescue teams from the Surat Thani Marine Department were quickly dispatched to the scene. They managed to extinguish the blaze and assess the aftermath, finding that critical areas, including the engine room, the captain’s quarters, and a bathroom at the rear of the boat, had suffered significant damage.

 

While most of the passengers and crew were rescued, the search continues for Ms. Clarke, who has not yet been accounted for. The Koh Phangan Regional Harbour Office has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, examining various potential factors that might have led to the vessel's distress.

 

The incident has cast a shadow over the popular tourist spot, raising concerns about safety regulations and practices pertaining to boating in the region.

 

Local officials are poised to review safety regulations for dive boats, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the dive and tourist communities are rallying to support the search and rescue mission and provide comfort to those affected, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

 

-- 2025-03-16

 

 

[ozz1]

Koh tao strikes again hope she's ok but it doesn't look good