Smoke scare at sea: Pattaya tourist boat evacuates 35 passengers
A tourist boat carrying 35 Russian passengers yesterday narrowly avoided disaster after a massive cloud of black smoke engulfed the vessel near Sak Island. Fortunately, quick-thinking by the captain and emergency services ensured a safe outcome for everyone on board.
The Marine Disaster Prevention Radio Center (Marine Rescue) in Pattaya received an urgent report at 10am yesterday, March 18, of a fire on the two-story Pattaya Bay Cruise boat, which was around 500 metres from Sak Island, near Koh Larn.
Rescue boats and firefighting vessels were immediately dispatched to assess the situation.
Upon arrival, officials observed thick black smoke billowing from the boat’s underside, likely originating from the engine room. However, after a thorough inspection, officials confirmed that there was no fire on board.
The cause of the smoke was traced to a malfunction in the engine and exhaust system. A joint had detached from the engine, resulting in the alarming cloud of black smoke rising high into the sky.
At the time of the incident, the boat was heading towards Sak Island with 35 Russian tourists on board. The captain, realising the severity of the situation, sent a distress signal and promptly evacuated all passengers onto another vessel, reported The Pattaya News.
Pattaya Marine officers commended the captain’s swift response, which averted any potential harm.
“There was no fire, and thankfully, there were no injuries. The captain acted quickly and made the right decision to ensure the safety of the tourists.”
In similar news, a fire broke out on a tourist boat near Koh Tao on March 16, forcing an evacuation of 28 tourists.
The incident occurred at 9.25am when the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) Marine Department in Surat Thani received an alert about a blaze in the boat’s engine room.
The vessel, named Davy Jones’ Locker, is a 23.29 gross tonnage passenger boat owned by Davy Jones Locker Co., Ltd.
The fire erupted while the boat was en route to a diving site, approximately 5 to 6 nautical miles from the island. Thankfully, an evacuation was swiftly carried out, ensuring no injuries.
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