PHUKET: A luxury catamaran estimated to be worth 16 million baht was gutted by fire and sank at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in tambon Mai Khao of Thalang district yesterday afternoon.
The fire was reported about 1pm, said Pol Lt Col Sornthip Chukaew, an investigating officer at the Tha Chatchai police station.
Firefighters and civilians helped put out the flames, which spread from the stern to the bow of the 12-metre Jimmy Blue. Only the prow of the vessel remained above water.
There were no people on board when the fire started and no casualties were reported, local police said.
Oil boom barriers have been placed in the water to prevent potential oil spills.
The catamaran can carry up to 17 people -- 14 passengers and three crew members. It was permitted to sail in local waters between Ranong and Satun provinces after receiving a licence in 2014.
Phuket Marine Office chief Nachapong Pranit said the blaze might have originated from a short-circuit.
He said other ships which were mooring nearby the blaze had been moved to safe areas while an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.