A British tourist, Alexandra Clarke, 26, from Lambeth, is missing and feared dead after a fire engulfed a diving boat off the coast of Koh Tao, Thailand. The blaze, which started in the boat’s engine room on Sunday morning, quickly spread, forcing 16 tourists and crew members to evacuate. Clarke was reportedly using the toilet near the engine room at the time and has not been seen since.
Boat Fire Engulfs Diving Vessel Near Koh Tao
The vessel, named Davy Jones Locker, caught fire around 9 AM local time, prompting an emergency response from Surat Thani Provincial Marine Office. Four crew members, two diving instructors, and two assistant instructors were also on board. Passing boats rescued all other passengers, but Clarke remained unaccounted for as of Sunday afternoon.
Footage from the scene shows the boat completely engulfed in flames, with horrified tourists watching from nearby vessels. Authorities believe that compressed air tanks filled to 3,000 psi and onboard fuel reserves contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
Search Efforts Underway for Missing British Woman
Thai authorities have launched a search mission to locate Clarke. A statement from the Surat Thani Provincial Public Relations Office confirmed that officials are coordinating with private boats and volunteers in the search.
A Foreign Office spokesperson in the UK said, “We are supporting the family of a British woman missing in Thailand and are in contact with local authorities.”
Concerns Over Tourist Safety on Koh Tao
Koh Tao has gained a controversial reputation due to a series of tourist deaths, including murder and unexplained incidents over the years. Some travel experts have advised against visiting the island due to safety concerns.
One of the most infamous cases was the 2014 murder of David Miller, 24, from Jersey, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, who were found bludgeoned to death on Sairee Beach. Burmese workers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were later convicted, but their legal representatives have since campaigned for their release.
Prominent Australian lawyer Ian Yarwood has claimed that the island is controlled by powerful local families and that authorities work to cover up negative incidents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but concerns over safety standards in Thailand’s tourism industry are once again in the spotlight.
