Nine British tourists had a narrow escape from their burning yacht after it was struck by lightening in the middle of a deadly tropical storm.
Flames tore through the upmarket boat, named Emmjay, in Phuket, Thailand, as deadly seas rocked the vessel yesterday afternoon.
The four couples, who were on board with one other woman, had to cower below deck before a lightening bolt ripped from the sky and shattered the boat.
A passing fishing boat raced to help the stricken crew and holidaymakers and police received a Mayday call at around 5pm local time.
Coastguards were dispatched to the scene near the Thalang district.
Footage shows the boat burning to a wreckage after the holidaymakers had been hauled to safety.
The tourists on board were named as Kelvin Atkinson, 65, Susan Atkinson, 64, Catherine Toy, 64, Stewart Toy, 66, William Tennant, 65, Lilias Tennant, 68, Anne Anderson, 63, Martin Anderson, 59 and Margaret Hamilton, 64.
Marine Chief Wiwat Chitchertwong said all the holidaymakers had been safely rescued.
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He said: ”Police were notified at 5pm that there was heavy rain and lightning that struck the boat. This caused a fire.
”People were already sheltering downstairs in the boat to shelter from the rain when the lightning struck.”
Lieutenant Colonel Brapan Chanprakon added: "There were nine passengers on board and assisted by fishing ships, they landed safely."
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