Five British tourists had a harrowing experience when their motorboat suddenly caught fire while sailing off the coast of Greece. The incident occurred near the shores of Zante, approximately 250 feet from the coastline. The boat, carrying the holidaymakers, was swiftly enveloped in flames, leading the passengers to take drastic measures to ensure their safety.
Startling video footage captured thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the boat was engulfed in flames, leaving the crew with no choice but to leap into the water to escape the rapidly spreading fire.
Stranded in the sea, the tourists faced a critical situation as they watched their boat succumb to the inferno. However, fortune was on their side, as a nearby vessel noticed their distress and promptly came to their rescue. The concerned crew aboard the assisting boat successfully pulled the stranded passengers aboard and navigated them to safety on dry land.
“We heard the crew shouting and running up and down and going for the fire extinguishers,” said Shaun Williams, a 55-year old dad who was on the boat with his family.
“Then we saw the smoke coming out and they started handing out life jackets,” Shaun added.
“We were at the top of the boat at the time so we couldn’t see the fire but then the captain said ‘everybody off,’ he continued.
“So we had to jump because we couldn’t go down the stairs because there were so many people there,” Shaun said.
Upon their return to shore, the tourists received immediate medical attention following their traumatic encounter with the fire. One of the passengers reportedly suffered burns due to the intense flames that had engulfed the boat.
The cause of the fire remains uncertain, and investigations are ongoing to determine what triggered the catastrophic incident in this popular holiday destination.
This alarming event follows closely on the heels of another fire-related incident in Greek waters. A tourist boat carrying 96 passengers caught fire off the coast of Rhodes, forcing panicked passengers to jump into the water to escape the blaze. Several passengers sustained minor injuries, including a nine-year-old girl who suffered minor burns, highlighting the seriousness of maritime safety concerns.
As Greek authorities continue to investigate these incidents, safety measures and regulations within the maritime industry are being reevaluated to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members alike. The incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness, both by boat operators and passengers, to mitigate potential risks and ensure safe voyages in the future.
