Thai authorities rescued 97 tourists after a ferry began to sink near Koh Kradat island in eastern Thailand.
Passengers were brought safely ashore despite strong winds and high waves.
See: Weather alert in southern Thailand: torrential rains and rough seas
A boat sinking with many tourists on board
Ferry victim of a hull breach off Koh Kradat island. Photo: The Nation Thailand
On Thursday, November 20, at around 12:30 p.m., the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command (CTBDC) received a report from the Thai Maritime Command Center, Region 1, indicating that a ship had suffered a hull breach, causing seawater to enter.
The boat, operated by Seudamgo company, en route to Koh Kood island, was carrying 97 passengers.
The incident occurred near Kradat island, approximately 15 kilometers from Koh Kood pier and about 20 kilometers from the mainland pier.
Location of Koh Kradat island on a map of Thailand.
The crew reported an urgent need for a water pump.
In response, the Thai Maritime Command Center, Region 1, coordinated with the 1st Border Patrol Squadron to dispatch support vessels.
The squadron deployed HTMS Thepha and Tor 228 to the scene, in collaboration with the Thai Maritime Command Center, Region 1, and local authorities.
Upon arrival, the authorities found that local fishing boats and speedboats were already assisting Thai and foreign tourists on board the distressed vessel.
All passengers were wearing life jackets, but some were visibly distressed due to the strong winds and high waves prevailing in the area.
Rescue teams evacuated the first group of 43 passengers to Laem Son Pier in Trat.
A second group of 49 passengers was brought ashore at Laem Sok Pier, followed by the five crew members.
In total, the 97 people were rescued and none were reported missing.
According to the Trat Maritime Department, the ferry had suffered a hull breach, which caused seawater to flood in and the ship to sink gradually.
Thai media reported that the water in the hull was later pumped out and the boat was towed to shore.
Video of the rescue
Maritime accidents: a reminder of the dangers around Thai islands
Boat carrying rescued tourists. Photo: NBT Trat
Koh Kood is popular with backpackers, newlyweds, and luxury travelers.
Thai islands attract many tourists, but maritime accidents occasionally occur.
The worst of these in recent years occurred in July 2018 when a boat failed to heed official warnings about bad weather and sank in the Andaman Sea off Phuket, a tourist island in southern Thailand, resulting in the deaths of 47 Chinese tourists.
See: Ceremony for the 47 Chinese victims of the Phuket shipwreck
- 97 tourists were evacuated from a ferry sinking near Koh Kradat island.
- Strong winds and high waves complicated the rescue efforts.
- The ferry, which had a breach in its hull, was able to be towed after water was pumped out.
Source: The Nation Thailand
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