PHUKET — A speedboat carrying 36 tourists and crew erupted in flames off the coast of Koh Mai Thon on Tuesday morning, sending passengers diving into the water as explosions rocked the vessel. The blast injured six people, including three Russian tourists who suffered shrapnel wounds.

Speedboat carrying British tourists crashes in a mangrove forest in southern Thailand

The Thana Marine 555, operated by a local tour company, had just arrived at the popular island destination when the engine malfunctioned and sparked a fire around 9 a.m. Witnesses described a sudden explosion that engulfed the boat in flames, forcing those still on board—including the captain and two crew members—to jump into the sea.

Three Russian tourists (two men and a woman) and a Thai tour guide were struck by flying debris while swimming nearby. The captain and a crew member suffered severe burns and were rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital. HTMS Hua Hin, a Thai naval vessel, along with local fireboats, responded to extinguish the blaze, but the speedboat was completely destroyed.

Phuket, Thailand 🇹🇭
Speedboat Fire
A tourist speedboat, Thana Marine 555, caught fire and exploded near Koh Mai Thon, Phuket. Luckily, most passengers were swimming at the time, but six people, including crew were injured. pic.twitter.com/NDX8OMb9SW

— Rusty Sun Compass (@sun_iscompass) April 1, 2025

Phuket’s Marine Office director, Nachaphong Pranit, confirmed the explosion occurred after engine trouble, though the exact cause remains unclear. Authorities are examining whether a fuel leak or mechanical failure triggered the disaster.

“We heard a loud bang—then fire everywhere,” said one shaken tourist, still dripping wet after being pulled from the water.

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The incident has reignited concerns over safety standards for Phuket’s booming speedboat tourism industry, which has faced multiple accidents in recent years.

-Thailand News (TN)