BANGKOK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A yacht caught fire and sank on Saturday in southern Thailand's Phuket, with all nine passengers rescued.

The accident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. local time on the northeast coast of the famous seaside destination Phuket.

The luxury yacht with nine foreign tourists on board was struck by lightning in heavy downpour before it was engulfed in flames. Fortunately, all the passengers were rescued by fishing boats, reports said.

The catamaran was completely destroyed.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Deputy Phuket governor and officials from concerned agencies rushed to the spot to inspect the wreckage.

Boat accidents are frequent in the famed southern tourist destination. Phuket has been tightening its tourist safety and security measures to restore tourist confidence.