Blazing drama: Phuket boat blaze leaves captain burnt out

A fire erupted aboard a Phuket tourist boat leaving the captain nursing injuries and igniting a full-blown investigation. The Phuket Marine Office got the alarming call at 10.35am today, October 3, about the Flamingo Lady 2 tour catamaran going up in flames, sending shockwaves and panic rippling down the Andaman coast.

The vessel, which had just dropped off 22 tourists on the idyllic Koh Naka Yai, was heading back towards Ao Po Pier when disaster struck. Only two crew members were onboard: 31 year old Captain Charoon Rungsamut and his machine operator, 23 year old Kritsada Karnriab.

What was supposed to be a routine return voyage turned into a nightmare when the catamaran’s right engine malfunctioned and overheated. The overheating engine sparked oil vapours, setting the vessel ablaze.

Despite heroic efforts to contain the fire, Captain Charoon suffered leg injuries in the process. He was rushed to Thalang Hospital for treatment. Thankfully, no passengers were aboard during the incident, avoiding what could have been a much larger catastrophe.

Officials are now investigating what caused the engine to malfunction and the extent of the damage. The aluminium vessel, registered under number 625100075, is licensed until April 2025, but the fire raises questions about its maintenance and safety protocols.

Marine officials are now under pressure to ensure the safety of future voyages, reported Phuket News.

In related news, sailors from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command successfully rescued 143 tourists stranded on Racha Yai Island due to severe weather conditions and returned them safely to Phuket.

In other news, two men survived a perilous experience at sea after their boat sank during a squid fishing trip near Koh Chun in Na Kluea, Pattaya. The incident unfolded in the evening, with a distress call received at 10.06pm on Sunday, September 15, reporting tourists adrift. Marine rescue teams, including the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Team and Pattaya Special Affairs Officers, quickly responded.