Phuket Harbor Office revealed that a fire destroyed at least 23 speedboats docked at Chalong Bay, causing extensive damage. The forensic police are awaiting to investigate the cause.
Update on the speedboat fire at the Chalong Bay pier, Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, around 04:00 today (7 Jan 2024): Mr. Adun Ralukmoon, Director of Regional Harbor Office No. 5, Phuket Branch, together with police from Chalong Police Station and Phuket forensic police, inspected the burned speedboats. Initially, it is estimated that no fewer than 20 boats were damaged. The damage value cannot yet be assessed, as boat prices vary from 3 to 12 million baht each.
Mr. Adun Ralukmoon, Director of Regional Harbor Office No. 5, Phuket Branch, stated that many boats were burned in this fire. The initial count is about 23 boats, give or take one or two. Other boats not affected remain operational, but those burned must be secured and controlled for now.
Colonel Adun Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, said that after the province received the report, he ordered relevant agencies to urgently control the situation. It was initially found that the fire started with an explosion and blaze on the first speedboat, then sea winds carried sparks to other nearby speedboats docked in the area.
The Phuket governor ordered an urgent investigation into the fire's cause, including reviewing all CCTV footage at the scene and surrounding routes. At the time of the fire, all boats had full fuel tanks in preparation for transporting tourists to various islands.
Officials are waiting for higher sea levels before moving the boats. The governor has ordered prompt removal of the boats from the area to prevent sediment and debris from contaminating the sea and to reduce environmental impact on marine life.