PHUKET -- An employee was injured and six speed boats owned by a tour company were damaged by fire early on Tuesday at a mooring in Chalong Bay in Muang district, Daily News Online reported.
Pol Capt Wuthiwat Liangboonyachinda, deputy chief investigator of Chalong police, said about 10 fire engines from tambon Chalong and tambon Wichit municipalities were dispatched to the scene.
The six boats belonged to Nikorn Marine Co. After taking tourists to various islands the boats were usually moored along the beach of Chalong Bay. The boats were left in the care of a few of the company's employees.
Witnesses told police that they first saw smoke billowing from one boat, and then flames. A brisk wind quickly spread the flames to the five other speed boats, which were moored in a row. All six were damaged. One of the employees looking after the boats was injured.
The fire was brought under control in three hours. The damage was estimated at 20 million baht.
Police were investigating the cause of the fire.