Tourists jump into sea as Phuket ferry bursts into flames, sinks

A TOURIST ferry has burst into flames in Thailand, killing a young girl and forcing more than 100 passengers to jump into the sea before it sank.

A general view shows the burning Phuket ferry near Noppharat Thara beach in Krabi province on April 8, 2015. Scores of foreign tourists endured a dramatic sea rescue after a blaze devoured a ferry travelling between two resort hotspots in southern Thailand, police said. AFP PHOTO

A 12-YEAR-OLD girl has died as more than 100 passengers were rescued after a ferry burst into flames and sank in Thailand.

The girl, identified by local media as Israeli tourist Shani Maril, went to the bathroom just before the fire broke out at the stern of the vessel about 3.30pm Wednesday local time, Phuketwan reported.

Shani’s parents and siblings, in Thailand to celebrate Passover, were rescued.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the death, adding that it was trying to arrange for the body to be repatriated to Israel,Haaretz reported.

Up to 117 people were on board the Ao Nang Princess 5, travelling from Krabi to the island of Phuket.

Passenger Panupon Rattanakornpanya, 44, said crew members told him and his family to gather at the bow as the boat burned.

“The fire then grew stronger. Everyone was in a panic. Some were crying. Many grabbed jackets and passed them on to others before we jumped into the water,” he said, according to Bangkok Post.

#BREAKING 💥107 foreign tourists aboard ferry that caught fire.12 yrs #Israeli girl died at #Krabi Island #Thailand pic.twitter.com/xG1TL14JGA

— Mete Sohtaoğlu (@metesohtaoglu) April 8, 2015

Phuket News reported Krabi Marine Police, Krabi Marine Office, Nopparathara Park officers and 10 fishing and speed boats rushed to the scene, taking rescued passengers to Ao Nang.

The ferry’s skipper, Captain Wirat, told the news site there was an explosion in the engine room.

He said passengers were ordered to put on life jackets before they jumped from the burning ferry into rescue boats. Bangkok Post reported passengers jumped into the sea.

Israeli Girl Named as Missing After Fire Sinks Ferry Between Krabi and Phuket - http://t.co/yopJFBK6qS #Thailand pic.twitter.com/fZWEO2k9OS

— Thailand News (@191Thailand) April 8, 2015

The fire burned the boat to the waterline before the vessel sank off Krabi’s Noppharat Thara beach.

“The ship burned very quickly, so the close proximity of the boats helped with evacuation,” manager of the local maritime office, Vishai Komwong, told Jerusalem Post.

The sunken ferry was operated by Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co, according to Bangkok Post.

12-year old European girl believed to be missing after fire on a Krabi-Phuket ferry http://t.co/3KDqgqBt1a #Thailand pic.twitter.com/vt2mu7Hwnb

— Richard Barrow (@RichardBarrow) April 8, 2015

Thailand is desperate to burnish its reputation as a tourist haven after 11 months that have included a military coup, martial law and scandals including the brutal murder of two British backpackers last year.

Officials have said tourists have returned in droves during the current peak season which is drawing to an end.

The kingdom remains blighted by poor safety standards and accidents which frequently involve tourists. Overcrowded ferries are notorious for capsizing, catching fire or hitting rocks.