Fire engulfs Phuket speedboats at Chalong Pier
Eakkapop Thongtub


Firemen from 10 Phuket fire trucks battled the blaze for two hours. Photo: Eakkapop Thontub

PHUKET: -- Police are investigating a fire that broke out at Chalong Pier early this morning (Apr 19), causing an estimated B25 million in damage to six Phuket tour speedboats.

Phuket Marine Police Chief Lt Col Panya Chaichana was called to Chalong Pier, a popular departure point for dive tours and tour boats heading to nearby islands, at 3am.

Police arrived with 10 fire trucks from Rawai, Chalong and Wichit Municipality.

“Firemen took two hours to put the fire out,” said Col Panya.

All six speedboats damaged by the blaze belonged to Phuket tour company Nikorn Marine.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/fire-engulfs-phuket-speedboats-at-chalong-pier-57089.php


-- Phuket News 2016-04-19

Nikorn has a lot more than six boats, so I'd almost rule out a rival, but you never know. Good riddance to all the speedboats that are buzzing Chinese tourists in and out of Rawai, Laem Ka, and Chalong all day.These boats and drivers are a menace to any other small boats, paddle boarders, kayakers, etc. off Rawai beach.

Nikorn has a lot more than six boats, so I'd almost rule out a rival, but you never know. Good riddance to all the speedboats that are buzzing Chinese tourists in and out of Rawai, Laem Ka, and Chalong all day.These boats and drivers are a menace to any other small boats, paddle boarders, kayakers, etc. off Rawai beach.

In general from Chalong it is the full daytrips, not the shorter trips to Koh Bon and Coral Island like from Rawai and Laem Ka.

My first suspicion would be directed towards unhappy staff.

So, a re-fuelling accident is not a consideration?

So, a re-fuelling accident is not a consideration?

It would be to me, but not at 3 AM.

So, a re-fuelling accident is not a consideration?

It would be to me, but not at 3 AM.

Fair enough, although there was a crewmember on the scene who was apparently hurt fighting the fire.

So, a re-fuelling accident is not a consideration?

It would be to me, but not at 3 AM.

Fair enough, although there was a crewmember on the scene who was apparently hurt fighting the fire.

Most likely the night watchman .... fast asleep ..

Fire at Chalong pier in Phuket guts six speedboats



PHUKET: -- Phuket police are investigating a fire that broke out at Chalong pier before dawn today, causing an estimated 20 million in damage to six tour speedboats.

The fire was reported to happen at a speedboat anchored at the Chamlong pier, a popular pier for dive tours and tour boats heading for adjacent Islands, at about 3 am and quickly spread to engulf five other speedboats nearby.

Firemen from 10 fire trucks arrived shortly after being alerted and spent two hours to battle the blaze.

All six speedboats were damaged by the blaze. They belonged to Phuket tour company, Nikorn Marine.

One crew member was injured in his attempts to put out the fire, police said.

The cost of the damage is estimated to be more than 20 million baht.

A municipal official all the speedboats anchored at the pier have their tanks filled with gasoline in preparation for tours.

During the fire there was sound of explosion, he said.

Actual cause of fire was being examined by forensic police.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/160120


-- Thai PBS 2016-04-19

Firemen took two hours to put the fire out,” said Col Panya.

With fire hoses and water? On hydrocarbon fire

What a shame. I am sure their insurance was paid up to date.

6 death traps less in Puke-it waters...

What a shame. I am sure their insurance was paid up to date.

Something fishy about only those boats affected. Guess we know what company is gonna have some new boats very soon.

A rival would only do this if he knew the boats weren't insured. Think this is made by the owners