A speedboat carrying 36 tourists and crew erupted into a fiery explosion off the coast of Thailand. At least six people have been injured – including the captain – in the fire near Maiton Island, off Phuket Island, this morning.
The vessel, Tana Marine 555, was just 50 metres offshore when the blast tore through it, turning it into a fireball.
Footage from the scene shows flames raging, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
The force of the explosion sent debris flying as flames rapidly consumed the boat, leaving those on board with mere seconds to react.
The tourists, mainly from Russia and Kazakhstan, jumped into the water, swimming for their lives. They were later rescued by a passing boat. Nachapong Pranit, director of the Phuket Marine Office, said a rescue team was deployed after receiving a report at 9:20 am.