18 people were rescued after a ferryboat exploded on its way out of Chumpon to Koh Tao Island today, July 21, at ~2:30 pm local time.
All 18 travelers suffered injuries.
The Lom Phraya ferry caught fire ~4-5 km off the coast of Haad Sai Ree sub-district, Mueng district, Chumpon province in South Thailand.
The rescue team reported that 20 people had been onboard, 18 were passengers and 2 were ferry staff.
All 18 travelers had jumped out of the ship and into the sea and were saved by the rescuers.
A 30-year-old man had suffered burns to ~50% of his face and was being treated in Chumpon Hospital. A 20-year-old woman had a wound on her chin. Other passengers had mild injuries, such as burns and bruises.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
The officers believe there had been an explosion in the engine room which had caused the ferry to catch fire.