PHUKET: Exploding dive tanks kept firefighters at bay as a 10-million baht dive boat blazed spectacularly for hours before sinking in Phuket's Chalong harbor today.
The 24-metre Andaman Ocean Safari - also known as the Choksomboon - sank to the bottom of the harbor about 4am about 700 metres from shore and may pose a hazard to other vessels using the shallow bay.
Marine Police were alerted about 2am as the blaze took hold and spread. One person sleeping on the boat escaped unhurt.
Strong winds and exploding tanks kept the firefighters well back from the vessel, estimated to be valued at 10 million baht.
An electrical fault in the engine room is suspected as causing the fire.
Chalong dive businesses due to put passengers on the Andaman Ocean Safari early today were called and told the vessel had sank.
It was the second spectacular sinking off Phuket this week, with an eight-million baht tuna fleet supply vessel blazing and sinking at Rassada port in Phuket City on Monday.
The 24-metre Andaman Ocean Safari - also known as the Choksomboon - sank to the bottom of the harbor about 4am about 700 metres from shore and may pose a hazard to other vessels using the shallow bay.
Marine Police were alerted about 2am as the blaze took hold and spread. One person sleeping on the boat escaped unhurt.
Strong winds and exploding tanks kept the firefighters well back from the vessel, estimated to be valued at 10 million baht.
An electrical fault in the engine room is suspected as causing the fire.
Chalong dive businesses due to put passengers on the Andaman Ocean Safari early today were called and told the vessel had sank.
It was the second spectacular sinking off Phuket this week, with an eight-million baht tuna fleet supply vessel blazing and sinking at Rassada port in Phuket City on Monday.
formerly known as Choksomboon. Now known as Choksom BOOM.
Posted by sluggo on September 12, 2014 09:24