A British tourist is missing after a fire has been torn by a submarine off the coast of the infamous 'Death Island' of Thailand.
Backpacker Alexandra Clarke, 26, from Lambeth, reportedly used the toilet when a fire of the wooden ship near Koh Tao broke out on Sunday morning.
Officials said that at least 16 tourists were on board the boat, called Davy Jones Locker, as well as two crew members and four instructors from the diving company.
They are supposed to be saved by passing boats, but Alexandra was still not justified on Sunday afternoon.
Compressed air in the tanks filled up to 3000 PSI and on board fuel it is assumed that the fire has spread. The toilet is often at the back of the boat on the soil deck next to the toilet.
Images show how the Inferno destroyed the large wooden hut at the back of the boat, while shocked holiday makers looked at passing boats.
Captain Natthaphon Sinpoonphon, deputy director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center of Surat Thani, said the fire started at around 9 a.m. local time. An emergency call was received shortly thereafter.
He said: 'The boat wore a group of tourists for a diving excursion from Koh Tao. It was between five and six nautical miles away from the island.
Backpacker Alexandra Clarke (photo, right) reportedly used the toilet when a fire broke out of the wooden ship near Koh Tao, broke out,
A British tourist fog feared after a fire through a submarine off the coast of the infamous 'Death Island' by Thailand tore
'A fire started in the engine room and quickly spread through the boat.
'Thai-MECC Surat Thani coordinated with private vessels and volunteers to safely evacuate tourists and crew members to another boat.
'In the meantime, another team of volunteers worked to control fire. Provisional reports indicate that the engine room, the cabin of the captain and the rear toilet are damaged. The exact cause of the fire remains investigated. '
Lieutenant -Dolonel Nattapol Sinpunphol, deputy director of the Surat Thani Marine Department, said that Rescue Teams were initially unable to get close to the boat because of the flames. There were also fear of further explosions of the tanks and fuel on board.
He added: 'The search continues for one missing tourist, a woman, Alexandra Clarke, from the United Kingdom.
'The conditions at sea are dangerous with the wind and currents. All boats in the area have been informed. Search and rescue teams were immediately mobilized. '
A FCDO spokesperson said MailOnline: “We support the family of the British woman who is missing in Thailand and have contact with the local authorities.”
Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular diving locations, but it is called 'Death Island' because of the alarming number of young tourists who died in mysterious circumstances. Dozens were killed – although the actual number could be much higher, with many deaths to protect the lucrative tourism sector.
Alexandra has still not been found since she was missing this morning
Alexandra, from above left, with some friends
The Londonaar was backpacking in Thailand
Officials said that at least 16 tourists were on board the boat, called Davy Jones Locker, as well as two crew members and four instructors from the diving company
The boat was between five and six nautical miles away from the island, officials said
Lieutenant -Olonel Nattapol Sinpunphol, Deputy Director of the Surat Thani Marine Department, said that Rescue Teams were initially unable to get close to the boat because of the flames
The most controversial matter was the death of Hannah Withheridge and David Miller, who were hurled in Saarree Beach in September 2014 on Saiiree Beach.
Two Burmese workers were reportedly framed for the murders to protect the real murderer – the son of a prominent local family – and quickly pack the matter in the midst of unwanted international research.
Prominent Australian lawyer Ian Yarwood, who campaigned for the two Burmese boys who are released, has made repeated calls for tourists to avoid the island for 'crime, corruption and poor health and safety'.
He added: 'Koh Tao is not a safe place for everyone to visit. The island is controlled by one or two powerful local families and the police are working hard to hide something negative. '
