https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/16/british-tourist-missing-fire-rips-diving-boat-thai-island-22735664/?ito=facebook

A British tourist is missing after a fire broke out on a dive boat off the island of Koh Tao in Thailand.

Alexandra Clarke, 26, a backpacker from Lambeth, in London was reportedly using the toilet when the blaze started in the engine of the wooden vessel this morning.

According to officials, 16 tourists were onboard the boat, called Davy Jones Locker, as well as two crew and four instructors from the scuba diving company.

It’s believed they were rescued by passing boats but Alexandra was still unaccounted for on Sunday afternoon and it’s feared she may have been killed by the fire.

Compressed air in the dive tanks filled to 3,000psi as well as fuel onboard are thought to have helped the blaze move quickly through the vessel.

The toilet is often located at the back of the boat on the bottom deck next to the engine.

Footage shows how the inferno ravaged the large wooden cabin at the rear of the boat as shocked holidaymakers on passing boats looked on.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5695214&forum_id=2Elisa#48754175)

Investigators at the scene said one possible cause of the explosion could have been a buildup of sewage and gases. John Davidson, the boat's owner, said he didn't notice anything wrong and that the latrine had been inspected recently.

"Alex was a big eater, but the latrine had been serviced only a few weeks ago without any issues," Davidson said. "It's a total mystery," he added.

http://apnews.com/breaking/boat-explosion-baffles-investigators.htm

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5695214&forum_id=2Elisa#48754182)