On October 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Phuket Regional Harbor Office received reports of a boat fire between Koh Nakha Yai and Koh Raet. The vessel, an aluminum boat used for passenger transport, was returning from dropping off tourists when it caught fire, leaving the captain with injuries. The fire completely destroyed the boat, which eventually sank.
According to the boat’s controller, Mr. Charoon Rungsamut, aged 31, the boat had departed from Ao Po Pier at 10:00 a.m., transporting 22 tourists to Koh Nakha Yai. After the passengers disembarked, only two people remained onboard: Mr. Charoon and the engine operator, Mr. Kritsada, aged 23. While the boat was between Koh Nakha Yai and Koh Raet, the right engine malfunctioned, causing the engine speed to become uncontrollable. The engine overheated, igniting oil vapors and sparking the fire.
Mr. Charoon explained that while he and the mechanic attempted to address the engine issue, the fire spread rapidly. He sustained minor injuries to his leg and arm and was rushed to Mission Hospital Phuket by an ambulance from Thalang Hospital. Fortunately, no other passengers were on board at the time of the incident.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion near the Ao Po Grand Marina Pier, leading to concerns that a transformer had blown. The fire remained uncontrolled as the boat was several kilometers offshore, preventing immediate firefighting efforts. According to reports from the Phuket Info Center, the vessel involved, named Flamingo Lady 2, was a 16.68 gross ton seagoing vessel used for specific passenger transport routes. The boat’s registration was valid until April 2025.
Authorities, including Mr. Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Phuket Regional Harbor Office, confirmed that the investigation into the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage is ongoing. By late morning, the boat had been completely consumed by flames and had sunk at the scene.
