The fire was reported at about 11am today at Coco Pier in Wichit, where the tour boat ‘Tequila’ operated by Once Yachting caught fire while undergoing engine repairs.
Officials from the Andaman Sea Traffic Control and Safety Center (CSCA) said the vessel was engulfed in flames following an apparent explosion during maintenance work. No tourists were on board at the time.
Emergency responders brought the blaze under control and towed the vessel away from the pier to prevent the fire spreading to nearby boats.
Six people were on the boat when the fire broke out. Five sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital, while one male tour guide was reported missing., reported police.
Authorities have since confirmed that the missing tour guide, named as Komphet Wanadee, 30, died in the incident.
In addition to Mr Komphet, those on board the boat at the time of the incident were named by police as Niwat Duangmani, 34; Chutidet Arischa, 27; Nattawut Poolkaew, 22; and Ms Piyathida Pojin, 23.
Of the injured, two men suffered serious burns, including one with burns to around 50% of his body.
Others sustained moderate injuries, including facial and limb burns. The injured were transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital, Dibuk Hospital and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Hospital for treatment, police noted.
While initial reports indicate the explosion occurred while the engine was being repaired, the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Authorities have confirmed that the boat’s operating licence had expired on Apr 2, just four days before the incident, while its passenger insurance remained valid until Apr 10.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including local disaster prevention officials, Wichit Municipality and rescue teams, supported by fireboats.
Officials said a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and assess any regulatory breaches.