A double-decker houseboat was spotted sailing while engulfed in flames off India's south coast.

The incident took place on January 23 in the Muhamma Panchayat (Alappuzha district) in the south Indian state of Kerala.

Miraculously 16 people, 13 tourists and 3 crew members, escaped unharmed when the houseboat unexpectedly caught fire while cruising near Pathiramanal island in Vembanad Lake.

According to the reports, the boat was operating without the mandatory licenses and the cause of the incident is being investigated.