A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Thailand’s Koh Tao island, where a British tourist, Alexandra Clarke, has gone missing following a fire aboard a diving boat. The incident has raised concerns due to Koh Tao’s troubling history of mysterious tourist deaths, earning it the moniker “Death Island.”
Incident Details
On the morning of Sunday, March 16, 2025, the diving vessel Davy Jones Locker caught fire approximately five to six nautical miles from Koh Tao. The boat was carrying 22 individuals: 16 tourists, two crew members, and four diving instructors. The fire reportedly originated in the engine room and rapidly engulfed the vessel.
While most passengers and crew were rescued by nearby boats, 26-year-old Alexandra Clarke from London remains unaccounted for. Witnesses suggest she was in the restroom at the time the fire broke out, potentially trapping her as the blaze spread.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Thai authorities, in coordination with private vessels and volunteers, launched immediate search and rescue operations. Despite challenging sea conditions, efforts to locate Clarke are ongoing. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed its support for Clarke’s family and is liaising with local authorities.
Koh Tao’s Troubling Reputation
Koh Tao has been dubbed “Death Island” due to a series of unexplained tourist fatalities over the past decade. Notably, the 2014 murders of British tourists Hannah Witheridge and David Miller drew international attention. More recently, in February 2025, 21-year-old British tourist Robby Kinlan was found dead under mysterious circumstances after a diving trip.
These incidents have raised concerns about tourist safety on the island, prompting calls for more stringent safety protocols and thorough investigations.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire aboard the Davy Jones Locker. Preliminary reports indicate the blaze started in the engine room, but the exact cause remains undetermined. The vessel has been towed to shore for a detailed examination.
As the search for Alexandra Clarke continues, this incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough investigations to ensure the well-being of tourists in popular destinations like Koh Tao.
