Panicked passengers jumped into the sea to escape a raging ferry fire in the Gulf of Thailand early on Thursday, and all 108 people onboard survived.
The overnight ferry from Surat Thani province was about to arrive at Koh Tao, a popular tourist destination off the Thai coast, when one of the passengers heard a crackling sound and smelled smoke.
Maitree Promjampa said he saw billowing smoke and fire less than five minutes later, when people started shouting and rang the alarm.
“We could barely get the life vests in time,” he said. “It was chaotic. People were weeping … I also teared up.”
Of the 108 people on the ferry, 97 were passengers, Surat Thani officials said on Facebook. The province’s public relations department posted that everyone was rescued with no casualties.
Videos showed people hurrying out of the ferry’s cabin while putting on life vests, as thick black smoke swept across the ferry. It was later engulfed in fire.
Maitree, a Surat Thani resident who often travels to Koh Tao for work, said several boats came to their rescue about 20 minutes after they called for help, but the boats could not get close to the ferry for fear of explosions.
He said people had to jump into the sea to be rescued. “Everyone had to help themselves,” he said. Videos showed the ferry was also carrying several vehicles.
Officials said the fire began in the engine and the cause was being investigated. The blaze was brought under control and the ferry did not sink.
The ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Tao carries commuters and tourists. Koh Tao is about 60 miles from the coast.
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Guardian
