In a harrowing incident, a night ferry traveling in the waters of Thailand caught fire, prompting several panicked passengers to jump into the river to save themselves. The ferry, carrying 108 individuals, including 97 passengers, was en route to the popular tourist destination of Koh Tao when a fire broke out on board.
As the vessel neared its destination, a passenger heard crackling noises and smelled smoke, alerting others to the danger. Footage captured passengers quickly donning life vests and evacuating the ferry as dense black smoke engulfed the vessel. Despite the chaotic scene, all 108 passengers were safely rescued, with no reported casualties.
Officials reported that the fire originated in the engine room and eventually consumed the entire ferry. However, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fortunately, the ferry did not sink in the water, averting a potential disaster.
Maitree Promjampa, a regular ferry commuter, described the chaotic scene as boats rushed to the rescue within minutes. Passengers were forced to jump into the sea to be rescued, with viral videos showing the dramatic moments of escape. Despite the fear and chaos, passengers managed to help themselves and survive the ordeal.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of sea travel and the importance of quick thinking and preparedness in emergency situations. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire and ensure the safety of future ferry passengers.