Terrified passengers leap off ferry packed with tourist backpackers after fire ... trends now
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Terrified passengers were seen leaping off a ferry engulfed in flames as the vessel made its way to Thailand's notorious 'Death Island' this morning.
The overnight The Ko Jaroen 2 ferry from Surat Thani province was about to arrive at Koh Tao, a popular tourist destination off the Thai coast, before it went up in smoke at around 6.30am local time.
Horror footage captured the moments after the blaze erupted, sending panicked tourists to the roof of the vessel as they desperately awaited rescue.
Some even made the brave jump overboard in a bid to escape the inferno.
At the time of the incident, 108 people were on board the ferry before one 'heard a crackling sound and smelled smoke'.
The Ko Jaroen 2 ferry caught fire this morning as it headed towards Ko Toh - dubbed 'Death Island'
Thick smoke was seen billowing into the air following the blaze
People scrambled to the top deck to escape the flames. Some reportedly jumped off the ferry before rescue teams arrived
Maitree Promjampa said he saw billowing smoke and fire less than five minutes later, and that was when people started shouting and rang the alarm.
'We could barely get the life vests in time,' he said.
'It was chaotic. People were weeping... I also teared up.'
In heart-stopping footage, thick clouds of grey smoke could be seen billowing skywards as orange flames took over the bow of the ship.
Terrified passengers could be seen climbing up the rails to reach the highest point of the ferry as they attempted to dodge the heavy smoke and
