Over 100 evacuated after ferry catches fire in Gulf of Thailand

The Bangkok Post reports that more than 100 people were evacuated from a passenger ferry after it caught fire in the Gulf of Thailand on Thursday, April 4.

The vessel identified as Ko Jaroen 2 was approaching Koh Tao island in southern Thailand’s Surat Thani province when a blaze ignited in its engine room at around 06:40 local time on Thursday.

Search and rescue teams and the crews of some Good Samaritan boats deployed to the waters two nautical miles off Koh Tao and safely evacuated all 97 passengers and 11 crewmembers.

A number of survivors had reportedly jumped into the water as the fire spread throughout the vessel.

Some of the occupants are being treated for smoke inhalation, though no serious injuries have been reported.

Officials said the fire was brought under control less than two hours after it ignited.

The ferry was also transporting vehicles and other goods at the time of the incident. There have been no updates provided on the extent of the damage suffered by the vessel and its embarked cargo.