Koh Tao Diving Boat Fire: British Tourist Missing After Explosion
A dramatic fire engulfed a diving excursion boat off the coast of Koh Tao, Thailand, on Sunday, March 16, 2025, leaving a 26-year-old British tourist missing and raising serious questions about maritime safety regulations. The blaze, which erupted approximately five nautical miles from the popular island, sent plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as terrified passengers and crew scrambled to safety.
The vessel, operated by Davy Jones Locker, carried 22 people—a mix of international tourists and crew—on a scheduled diving trip. Onboard were 16 tourists, two diving instructors, two assistant instructors, the boat’s captain, and a crew member. The idyllic morning excursion quickly became a desperate fight for survival as the fire, believed to have originated in the engine room, rapidly spread.
Initial investigations by Koh Tao police suggest a malfunctioning air compressor was the likely cause. Witness testimonies indicate a 48-year-old Myanmar crew member, identified only as “Tae,” was filling diving tanks when the equipment ignited, sparking the inferno. The flames quickly engulfed the captain’s quarters and the rear bathroom, trapping the missing British tourist, Miss Alexandra, 26. She had reportedly gone below deck to use the bathroom shortly before the fire broke out.
A nearby vessel rescued 21 survivors from the water, including six tourists who provided information about Miss Alexandra’s last known location. The rescued passengers and crew, shaken but unharmed, were returned to Koh Tao. The remains of the Davy Jones Locker vessel have been towed ashore for a thorough investigation by authorities and forensic experts.
The incident has cast a shadow over the usually bustling tourist destination. The search for Miss Alexandra continues, with maritime authorities deploying resources in a race against time. The tragedy highlights the potential dangers inherent in even seemingly routine excursions and raises critical questions about safety protocols and equipment maintenance within the diving tourism industry. As the investigation proceeds, authorities will scrutinize the Davy Jones Locker vessel’s maintenance records and review existing safety regulations to prevent future incidents. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with maritime activities and the importance of stringent safety measures to protect both tourists and crew.
