A British tourist, 26-year-old Alexandra Clarke from Lambeth, South London, has been reported missing following a fire that caused a boat to sink off the coast of Koh Tao, Thailand. The incident occurred on a Sunday morning after the boat’s engine room caught fire, believed to be due to an overflowing fuel tank during refueling. Koh Tao Police have since charged the captain and crew with negligence regarding the operation of the vessel.
The fire broke out shortly after 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT) while the boat was en route to a popular diving spot in the Gulf of Thailand. Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the crew was refilling air tanks when an accidental overflow of gasoline triggered a spark, leading to a rapid fire that engulfed the engine room. Tourists and crew members were forced to jump into the sea as the fire spread quickly, resulting in the vessel sinking. Alexandra Clarke is thought to have been in the boat’s toilet when the fire began, and she has not yet been located.
The Surat Thani Provincial Marine Office swiftly coordinated the evacuation of passengers and crew using private boats and volunteers. Following Clarke’s disappearance, local authorities organized a search team to assist in locating her. Despite extensive efforts by Royal Thai Navy divers to search both the wreckage and surrounding waters, no trace of Clarke was found.
The search operations were expected to resume on Tuesday morning, as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire. This incident highlights ongoing concerns related to maritime safety in Thailand, a destination that has seen several tragic boating accidents in recent years. Notably, a significant tragedy occurred in 2018 when 46 Chinese tourists died after their boat capsized near Phuket. Despite government promises to enhance safety measures, incidents like this recent fire raise questions about the effectiveness of safety protocols and regulations in the industry.
The British Foreign Office confirmed that it is in contact with local authorities and is providing support to Clarke’s family during this challenging time. The incident has garnered attention and concern from both local and international communities, emphasizing the inherent risks associated with travel and maritime activities in popular tourist destinations. As the investigation unfolds, further details will likely emerge regarding the events leading up to the tragic accident and the subsequent search efforts for Alexandra Clarke.
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