Longtail boat sinks in Thailand: Pregnant Malay woman and child die, 2 survive

A longtail boat carrying a family of Malaysian tourists sank off the coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand yesterday.

A 36 year old pregnant woman and her six year old child died while the father and Thai boat operator survived with the help of a local fisherman.

A young fisherman, 21 year old Warit Changmin, went out fishing for squid in Laem Hang Nak cape, Mueang district when he decided to turn back to shore due to sudden rain and strong winds yesterday afternoon.

Warit came across four people floating in the sea. He said one was wearing a life jacket.

The pregnant woman and young child were unconscious when Warit found them, he said. The fisherman pulled all four people onto his boat and brought them to shore at Klong Sai Pier.

The Malaysian family and boat driver were rushed to Krabi Hospital for treatment, where 36 year old Tan Chen Woon and her six year old were pronounced dead from drowning.

The father, 37 year old Gan Kah Seng, and the 45 year old longtail boat driver Sala Budsa are both safe and recovering under close medical supervision at Krabi Hospital.

Boat driver Sala said that he took the Malaysian family out to sea at approximately 3.30pm yesterday on a longtail boat from the Sina Tour company. The family were staying at the Anyavee Resort, said Sala.

Sala said he took the family to Koh Hong and were met with strong winds on their way back to shore, causing the boat to capsize and sink in the middle of the sea.

Officers from Ao Nang Police Station said that Sala will be questioned once he is discharged from the hospital.

This morning, the Governor of Krabi province Passakorn Bunyalak said that he has instructed the relevant agencies to take care of the victims of this devastating tragedy.