In Thailand, a search has been launched for a missing 26-year-old woman from south London following a tragic incident where a boat carrying tourists caught fire and sank near the island of Koh Tao during a diving expedition. Alexandra Clarke, a resident of Lambeth, was onboard the vessel when the fire broke out on Sunday morning, according to the Surat Thani Provincial Public Relations Office. Despite efforts by divers on Monday to scour the wreckage of the boat and surrounding areas, there has been no sign of Ms. Clarke, who was reportedly in the toilet at the time the fire started.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed that they are working closely with local authorities to assist the family of the British woman who is currently missing in Thailand. Koh Tao Police have revealed that they suspect the fire was ignited when the boat’s fuel tank overflowed during a refuel on the journey. The captain and a crew member have been charged with negligence in connection to the incident. The boat departed from the shore around 07:30 ITC to transport passengers to the popular diving location, the Southwest Pinnacle, as outlined by local police.
Col Sarayuth Buriwachira, from Koh Tao Police, detailed that the fire was sparked at approximately 10:00 ITC after too much fuel was inadvertently added to the engine by a crew member. This resulted in a spark which quickly grew into a devastating fire, engulfing the vessel and leading to its submersion. The rapid spread of flames compelled divers, crew, and instructors to abandon ship and leap into the sea for safety. While efforts were made to evacuate passengers and crew to another vessel with the help of private boat operators and volunteers, Ms. Clarke remains unaccounted for as of now
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