In a tragic incident on Sunday, a British tourist went missing after a fire broke out on board a dive boat off the coast of Koh Tao, a popular island in Surat Thani province. The woman, identified as 26-year-old Alexandra Clarke, is believed to have been trapped inside the boat’s toilet when the blaze erupted.

Fire Destroys Diving Tour Boat in Phang Nga

The fire started around 10:00 AM on the dive boat, which was carrying more than 20 people, including tourists, scuba instructors, and crew members, to the Southwest Pinnacle, a renowned dive site located approximately nine kilometers from Koh Tao. According to Surat Thani police chief Pol Maj Gen Sermphan Sirikhong, the fire began while a crew member was filling air tanks for divers.

As the fire spread, passengers were quickly evacuated and transferred to nearby boats. However, Alexandra Clarke was reported missing during the rescue operation. Witnesses reported that she had been seen entering the toilet shortly before the fire broke out.

The boat was towed back to Koh Tao for a thorough forensic examination to determine the exact cause of the fire. Authorities are investigating whether safety protocols were followed during the refilling of the air tanks, a process that can be hazardous if not conducted properly.

Koh Tao strikes again. UK tourist Alexandra Clarke, 26 from Lambeth, London is missing after her dive boat was engulfed in flames 🔥 on Sunday. She was using the toilet when fire broke out in the engine room. The boat was about 6 miles from Koh Tao. RIPhttps://t.co/6VbLoLMnqt pic.twitter.com/KPguoMt7Ub

— Ian Yarwood (@IanYarwood_Law) March 17, 2025

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the diving industry, raising concerns about safety standards on tourist boats. Koh Tao, known for its stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life, is a hub for scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks associated with water-based activities and the importance of stringent safety measures.

Authorities are working to uncover the exact circumstances that led to the fire, including whether proper safety procedures were in place. The investigation will also examine the boat’s maintenance records and the crew’s training to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

This tragic event has left the diving community and tourists in mourning, highlighting the need for enhanced safety protocols and vigilance in marine tourism. Our thoughts are with Alexandra Clarke’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Tourist boat catches fire while river sightseeing in Ayutthaya

Tourists and operators are urged to prioritize safety, especially during high-risk activities like scuba diving. Ensuring proper equipment maintenance, crew training, and emergency preparedness can help prevent such tragedies in the future.

-Thailand News (TN)