18 passengers rescued after ferry explodes off South Thailand coast
Eighteen people were rescued after a ferry exploded on its way from Chumpon to Koh Tao today at about 2.30pm. All 18 passengers suffered injuries.
The ferry, named Lom Phraya, caught fire about 4-5 kilometres off the coast of the Haad Sai Ree sub-district, Mueng district in Chumpon province in the south of Thailand.
The rescue team reported on its Facebook page that 20 people were on board, 18 were passengers and two were ferry staff. All 18 passengers jumped out of the vessel and into the sea and were saved by the rescue team.
A 30 year old man suffered burns to about 50% of his face and is being treated in Chumpon Hospital. A 20 year old woman had a wound on her chin, and other passengers had mild injuries like bruises and burns.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The rescue officers believe there was an explosion in the engine room which caused the ferry to catch fire.
SOURCE: มูลนิธิชุมพรการกุศลสงเคราะห์ | Thairath
