A 27-year-old British tourist, Alexandra May Clarke, is missing following a fire aboard a dive boat near Koh Tao, a well-known diving destination in Thailand. According to local reports, the incident occurred as the vessel traveled to a popular dive site approximately five nautical miles from the island.
The boat, identified as Davy Jones Locker, was carrying 22 people, including 16 tourists, two dive instructors, two assistant instructors, and two crew members. When the fire broke out, passengers and crew were forced to abandon the vessel, with a nearby boat responding quickly to assist in the rescue efforts.
Emergency responders from the Surat Thani Marine Department arrived on the scene to control the fire and assess the damage. Key sections of the boat, including the engine room, the captain’s quarters, and a rear bathroom, were heavily damaged.
While the majority of those on board were safely rescued, Ms. Clarke remains unaccounted for. A search operation is ongoing, and the Koh Phangan Regional Harbour Office has begun an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Authorities are reviewing safety measures for dive boats in the region, aiming to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, local dive operators and community members are supporting the ongoing search and those affected by the incident.
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