Tourists and Guide Injured in Speedboat Explosion Off Phuket
PHUKET – A speedboat explosion off the coast of Phuket on Tuesday morning left three Russian tourists, a tour guide, and two crew members injured, including the captain.
The Thana Marine 555 had departed from Tha Chalong pier carrying 33 tourists and a guide to Koh Mai Thon when it experienced engine trouble. Shortly after arriving at the island, the boat caught fire and exploded around 9 AM, according to Nachaphong Pranit, Director of the Phuket Marine Office.
At the time of the explosion, three people were still on board, while some tourists were swimming nearby. The captain and one crew member suffered burns, while the three Russian tourists (two men and one woman) and the tour guide sustained shrapnel wounds from the blast.
Rescue and Investigation Underway
Authorities launched an immediate rescue operation. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre deployed HTMS Hua Hin, while the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation dispatched a fireboat and another speedboat to assist in extinguishing the blaze. Despite their efforts, the Thana Marine 555 was completely gutted by the fire.
The Phuket Marine Office has begun an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
