Bangkok (VNA) – A fire that broke out in the early hours of January 7 at Chalong Pier in the southern Thai province of Phuket has destroyed more than 20 speedboats.
Initial information from witnesses and officials indicated that an explosion and fire occurred on one speedboat before sea winds carried burning debris to other vessels moored nearby, causing the blaze to spread rapidly.
After being notified at around 4am, Phuket provincial authorities were immediately mobilised to control the situation. Firefighting teams from the Chalong, Rawai, Wichit and Karon municipalities, along with other agencies, dispatched fire engines and personnel to the scene. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze by spraying water and cutting mooring lines to separate boats as far apart as possible to prevent further spread.
However, the operation was hampered by low tide, which made access difficult and prevented the fire from being brought under control immediately.
Preliminary reports show that the fire caused no casualties, but more than 20 tourist speedboats were severely damaged. Authorities are currently taking measures to prevent oil spills at sea, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation./.
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