Tourists in lucky escape

PHUKET, 29 August 2012: All 41 tourists, three boat crew and a guide were rescued safely from a speedboat, Monday, that took on water and sank in heavy swells as it approached Phi Phi Island.

The boat crew allegedly ignored weather advisories that recommended all small boats to stay close to shore due to heavy swells and storm conditions in the Andaman Sea.

Owner of the boat, Luk Pradu 26, is under investigation and could face criminal charges if it is proven the boat was unsafe or was operating illegally.

Following the rescue mission, seven tourists were admitted to hospital in Phuket, for head or arm injuries, but reports said none were in a critical condition.

The speedboat left Jian Sin Pier in Rassada bay in Phuket for Phi Phi Island despite weather warnings of heavy seas.

The 13-metre Luk Pradu 26 was following two other boats when it was hit by a large wave that damaged the bow causing a torrent of water to pour in and sink the vessel.

Passengers donned life jackets and were floating at the scene of the accident for around one hour before rescue boats arrived.

The Thai Metrological Department issued a storm warning Monday advising small boats not to venture from shore. A spokesperson of Chao Fa Krabi Rescue Centre, who was present at the rescue scene, said he was “very surprised” that a small boat was on the water.

Waves offshore exceeded three metres and conditions were too dangerous for small boats. They were urged not to leave shore.

Tourists on board were  a mix of nationalities, including South Korean, Turkish, Malaysian, Indonesian, English, New Zealanders and Australians.

It is the second time a speedboat has sank between Phuket and Phi Phi. The other incident occurred in January this year.

Phuket’s security,both on land and sea, has been seriously challenged prompting foreign embassies to seek clarification from the government that it would beef up security.

Apart from boat owners possibly ignoring weather warnings marine authorities have been accused of not conducting safety inspections or demanding boat owners comply with regulations.

The safety environment on Phuket is considered far too lax with little or no effort to ensure visitors are protected and safe when travelling on the water.

The issue of safety at sea for tourists is likely to be raised “at the highest level” by ambassadors in Bangkok to add to their already long list of complaints.

Phuket New Generation Travel manager, Pongsak Pachantabut, representing the company that organised the one-day excursion to Phi Phi, said the company would pay all medical treatment costs for those who were injured.

Meanwhile, Phuket Marine Police confirmed that an alert was in place that warned travellers to be aware of heavy seas, but the warning did not directly prohibit boats from sailing.

The sea disaster followed an after-hours fire on Phuket 10 days ago at the Tiger Disco in which four people died; two of them tourists.

Again a critical finger has been pointed at Phuket police and officials suggesting they are not able to ensure safety measures on the island meet international standards.

Sourced: ttrweekly