Ferry capsizes on Chao Phraya River after on-board altercation
A dramatic incident unfolded yesterday on the Chao Phraya River when a ferry capsized following a confrontation on board between a group of ten teenagers and a single passenger. The chaotic scenes saw passengers jumping overboard to escape the sinking vessel.
At approximately 11.30pm, yesterday, December 1, rescue volunteers received a distress call about a ferry sinking near the pier in front of Wat Sanam Nua in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi.
Upon arrival at the scene, they found a small motorised ferry, capable of carrying 15 people, partially submerged in the water. The ferry, belonging to a restaurant on Koh Kret, was used to transport customers from the island to the mainland.
The ferry had just completed its journey from a restaurant on Koh Kret to the pier at Wat Sanam Nua. According to the ferry operator, 45 year old Ek, the boat was carrying 11 passengers, including ten teenagers who were travelling together and one individual travelling alone.
As Ek tied the boat to the pier to allow passengers to disembark, a disagreement erupted among the passengers on board and the lone passenger.
The confrontation became physical, causing the boat to tilt and water to start entering.
Fortunately, all passengers managed to escape the sinking ferry by immediately jumping onto the pier. Despite the commotion, there were no injuries reported from the incident. Ek expressed relief that the altercation did not occur while the ferry was still mid-river, which could have led to a more dangerous situation.
The boat’s owner is working to salvage the vessel, which is partially submerged near the pier. The ferry had to be moved aside to prevent obstruction for larger ferries that regularly service the route between Koh Kret and Pak Kret, docking at the same pier.
A representative from the pier confirmed these actions, explaining that the priority was to ensure the area was clear for other ferry services. The incident remains under investigation, and the cause of the initial altercation that led to the ferry’s capsizing is still unknown, reported KhaoSod.
