Tourism: Thailand: Passenger ferry to the holiday island of Koh Tao burns

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tourism
Thailand: Passenger ferry to the holiday island of Koh Tao burns

The ferry caught fire off the southern coast of Thailand on Thursday morning. photo

© Maitree Promjampa/Maitree Promjampa/AP/dpa

In the evening a ferry sets off from Thailand’s mainland towards the dream island of Koh Tao. Shortly before docking, the ship caught fire.

On a ferry to the popular Thai A violent fire on the holiday island of Koh Tao has caused passengers to panic. The fire broke out in the engine room a few kilometers from the pier, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported, citing the emergency services. The ferry, with more than 100 people on board, was traveling from Surat Thani on the mainland to Koh Tao, considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

The police spoke of 97 passengers, including many foreigners, and eleven crew members. It was still unclear whether there were Germans on board. Photos and videos shared online showed the ship burning ablaze. According to reports, everyone on board escaped with horror. Some only suffered mild smoke inhalation, wrote the news portal “The Thaiger”.

Several passengers jumped into the sea and were rescued by boats rushing to the scene. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched.

The islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, located close to each other, are popular with tourists from all over the world. Many visit all three islands, which are connected by regular ferries. Koh Tao is particularly well visited between March and June, when whale sharks often pass by in the sea. The dream island with its wonderful underwater world is a highlight, especially for divers and snorkelers.

dpa

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