PHUKET –
Authorities in Phuket have confirmed the recovery of the body of a young tour guide who went missing following a devastating speedboat explosion and fire earlier today at Ao Makham deep-sea port.
Our previous story:
Now for the update:
Rescue teams from the Kusoldharm Foundation launched an intensive search operation. By mid-afternoon, divers discovered the body of the missing guide, later identified as Mr. Kompetch Wandee, 23, a resident of Rassada subdistrict, Phuket, trapped inside the cabin of the sunken vessel.
Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, stated that CCTV footage captured the explosion and ensuing chaos as crew members fled the burning boat. Nearby individuals attempted to extinguish the flames with chemical fire extinguishers, but the blaze proved uncontrollable, forcing responders to tow the vessel away from the pier before it eventually sank.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion originated from the boat’s engine system. Officials are now working to salvage the wreck for forensic examination to determine the exact cause.
While no tourists were on board at the time, the tragedy has raised concerns about safety standards in Phuket’s marine tourism industry. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
