A charter yacht caught fire and was completely destroyed in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, causing nine British tourists to evacuate.
All were reported safe.
Investigators believe the vessel was struck by lightning which sparked the blaze.
The tourists and crew scrambled below deck to take cover as the boat was rocked by fierce storms and lightning.
They were luckily rescued in time by a passing fishing vessel before the ‘Emmjay’ charter yacht was gutted and sank.
All nine of the tourists, including four couples and a single woman, escaped unharmed, said marine chief Wiwat Chichertwong.
This latest incident comes just a few months after dozens of Chinese tourists drowned after their boat capsized nearby during a violent storm.
Thailand is still being impacted by that deadly accident which has resulted in a major decline in tourist arrivals from China in protest at the country’s marine tourism safety standards.
It also led to a number of new safety measures imposed on the boating industry aimed at restoring confidence.
