A ferry caught fire with more than 100 people on board.

An overnight ferry carrying more than 100 passengers narrowly escaped damage after a fire broke out near Koh Tao in southern Thailand on Thursday morning. Fortunately, all passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, according to reports. Bangkok Post.

The incident involved the Ko Jaroen 2 ferry operating the Surat Thani-Ko Tao route. The fire reportedly broke out around 7 a.m. about 2 to 3 nautical miles off the coast of Koh Phangan. News report. The overnight ferry, carrying 97 passengers, 11 crew and cargo, departed from Surat Thani at around 11pm the previous night. As it approached the Koh Tao pier, flames engulfed the engine room, causing panic on board.

Quick action by boat operators and island officials ensured a swift rescue operation. After receiving the alert at 6:40 a.m., authorities immediately dispatched boats from Koh Tao to assist those on board. All passengers and crew were brought safely to shore, but some were reported to have suffered minor smoke inhalation.

The exact number of people on board varies. The Marine Department reported 90 passengers and eight crew members, while Koh Tao police said there were 97 passengers and 11 crew members. A fact-finding committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the fire and determine the exact number of people involved.

Fortunately, there were no casualties in the incident, highlighting the effectiveness of the rescue efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.