Korean tourist drowns after ferry capsizes off Koh Phangan coast
The body of a Korean national who tragically drowned when a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating off the coast of Koh Phangan around noon yesterday, December 31 last year. The distressing incident unfolded when a long-tail boat, carrying tourists, overturned amid high waves.
A boat captain reported the grim finding to the missing persons centre on Koh Phangan at precisely 11.33am. The body was located approximately 600 metres from Haad Rin pier and about five kilometres from the initial capsizing site.
Police confirmed the deceased was wearing the same clothing seen in security footage from the day of the incident. The body has since been transported to Koh Phangan Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The ill-fated vessel, Pichitchai 38, was navigating from Haad Rin beach with ten tourists on board, intending to reach another beach on Koh Phangan. The accident occurred around 3am on December 29 last year. Fortunately, nine tourists and three boat operators were successfully rescued from the perilous waters.
Surat Thani governor Theerut Supawibulpol announced that charges of recklessness causing death would be brought against the boat’s owner. The vessel had been operating without registration, and the individual at the helm lacked a valid licence.
Furthermore, the boat operator was identified as a drug user who had disregarded official advisories advising small boats to stay ashore due to adverse sea conditions, reported Bangkok Post.
In light of the incident, red flags have been prominently placed along Haad Rin beach to prohibit swimming. This measure comes as preparations are underway for a new year countdown event scheduled to take place later yesterday evening.
Original story: South Korean man missing after boat capsizes near Koh Pha Ngan
A South Korean man remains missing after a long-tail boat capsized at around 3am on December 29, in the sea near Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. A boat driver was tested positive for drugs.
The accident occurred on a long-tail boat named Phichitchai, which departed Rin Beach on Koh Pha Ngan and was headed to Yuan Beach on the same island. The boat capsized allegedly due to high waves and strong winds approximately 400 metres from Rin Beach.
The Ban Muang news agency reported that waves measuring two to three metres in height struck the right side of the boat, causing all the passengers to shift to the left side. This led to the boat losing its balance and overturning.
At the time of the incident, the boat was carrying 10 passengers and three crew members. Rescuers managed to save 12 of them, but a South Korean man, identified only as Hyun-Jin, remains missing.
The other passengers were identified as four Thai nationals, one Turkish man, one Danish man, two Japanese nationals, and one German man. None of the passengers or crew members were wearing life jackets.
Hyun-Jin and his Japanese girlfriend, Miyuki, who was also on the boat, reportedly planned to open a restaurant together at Hua Kham Market, also known as Night Market Cafe Vintage, on Koh Pha Ngan.
The rescue team conducted an eight-hour search for the missing man but was unable to locate him. The operation was suspended due to strong waves and will resume once weather conditions improve.
The boat’s captain, Pattanapong Saetiao, and the other crew members, Jiramate Chukaew and Sittiphan Wongwai, were identified. Pattanapong later tested positive for methamphetamine, also known as yaba, and it was revealed that his boat driving licence expired.
Pattanapong faces two charges:
- Section 162 of the Narcotics Control Act for using a Category 1 drug (methamphetamine). The penalty is up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
- Section 291 of the Thai Navigation Act for failing to perform duties as a boat captain or worker. The penalty includes suspension of a certificate or licence for up to two years.
It was not disclosed whether Pattanapong would face charges under Thailand’s Criminal Law for recklessness.
In addition to the captain’s violations, KhaoSod reported that the boat’s registration was cancelled. The boat’s owner is also expected to face penalties.
