Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An incident unfolded off the coast of Koh Kood when a speedboat engine exploded and burst into flames, forcing a family of four to leap into the sea to save themselves. One crew member was injured and taken to hospital following the blaze.

 

The incident occurred aboard a passenger speedboat named A. Suppapiti, registration number 656400717, which had been chartered by a tourist family staying at the Koh Kood Cabana Hotel. The group, two parents and their two children, had hired the boat for a snorkelling trip to Koh Rad.

 

The explosion happened during the return journey, when the boat’s engine suddenly blew up, igniting a fire at the stern. Crew members quickly instructed the tourists to jump into the sea, ensuring all four safely reached shore. Meanwhile, the crew attempted to extinguish the blaze but were unsuccessful and one suffered burns in the process. They were eventually forced to abandon the vessel and swim ashore.

 

The burning vessel later sank. Fortunately, a nearby fishing boat came to the rescue, transporting the family and injured crew members to shore at Ban Khlong Mad. Local rescue foundation Sawang Boon Chuea responded swiftly, transferring the injured crew member to Koh Kood Hospital.

 

District Chief of Koh Kood, Mr. Pairat Sroisaeng, confirmed that the incident was a freak accident and not the result of negligence, stating that the boat was in good mechanical condition prior to the trip.

 

The boat’s captain, 18-year-old Mr. Suphawat, who holds a valid boating licence, and 19-year-old crewman Mr. Monwat, were both on board at the time. Mr. Suphawat recounted that just after leaving Koh Rad, the engine exploded without warning. Mr. Monwat, seated near the engine, suffered burns to his arms and face while trying to assist passengers to safety.

 

District authorities have since issued warnings to all tourism operators, hotels, and resorts on the island to take extra precautions during the busy Songkran holiday season.

 

Officials stressed the importance of regular engine checks, fire safety protocols, and prompt crew training to prevent similar incidents. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

 

-- 2025-04-12

 

7 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

District Chief of Koh Kood, Mr. Pairat Sroisaeng, confirmed that the incident was a freak accident and not the result of negligence, stating that the boat was in good mechanical condition prior to the trip

And how did this district chief check before the trip if the engine was going to randomly blow up?

Maybe doesn't want to damage the image of Thailand's boat safety, been a few of these recently, in fact fairly regular

An 18 year old capain and 19 year old crewman?

You get what you pay for......

 

 

4 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

And how did this district chief check before the trip if the engine was going to randomly blow up?

Maybe doesn't want to damage the image of Thailand's boat safety, been a few of these recently, in fact fairly regular

yes,   just a freak accident ... it happens all the time to speed boats. 

Are life-jackets mandatory on Thai speedboats?

8 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

An 18 year old capain and 19 year old crewman?

You get what you pay for......

 

 

You don't have to pay peanuts. You can book an expensive Helicopter flight in New York, you still get monkeys. Difference is, you will not survive.