Passengers jumped into the sea in panic to escape a raging fire on a ferry in the Gulf of Thailand early Thursday morning, and all 108 people on board were reported safe. The ferry, operating overnight from Surat Thani province, was approaching Koh Tao, a popular tourist destination off the Thai coast, when a passenger suddenly heard a popping sound and smelled smoke.
Passenger Maitri Promjampa said he saw smoke and flames rising less than five minutes later, prompting people to scream and set off alarms. He added, "We barely managed to get life jackets in time. It was chaotic. People were crying, and I cried too." According to Surat Thani officials on Facebook, there were 97 passengers among the 108 people on board.
The provincial public relations department confirmed that everyone was rescued without injuries. Video footage showed people rushing out of the ferry cabin wearing life jackets as thick black smoke engulfed the vessel. The fire later broke out.
Maitri, a Surat Thani resident who frequently travels to Koh Tao for work, reported that several boats came to their aid about 20 minutes after a distress call was made, but the boats couldn't approach the ferry due to fears of explosions. He noted that people had to jump into the water to be rescued. Videos also showed the ferry carrying several vehicles.
Authorities stated that the fire was quickly brought under control, indicating that it initially broke out in the engine room, but the cause is under investigation.
