Tourist speedboat capsizes near Bubu Island: all passengers rescued

The tourist speedboat Bandaya 19 met with an unfortunate incident on Sunday (December 24) as it capsized near Bubu Island, a mere 3 kilometres from Satun’s Lipe Island. The boat was ferrying 73 tourists, which included 3 children, and had 4 crew members on board at the time of the mishap.

Without losing a beat, the Navy’s 491st Special Warfare Squadron sprang into action. Their swift response to the emergency resulted in the successful rescue of all individuals on board. The capsizing was attributed to strong waves that breached the hull of the speedboat. Fortuitously, all passengers had their life jackets on, which undoubtedly contributed to their safety. They were then safely transferred to another speedboat, Ploy Siam 559.

Unfortunately, the incident was not without its casualties. Five passengers were afflicted with injuries arising from swallowing seawater, and one individual needed stitches. An additional ten passengers sustained minor injuries. Post the incident, they were all provided medical care at Koh Lipe Hospital and subsequently allowed to return to their places of stay, reported The Pattaya News

The Bandaya 19 sank shortly after the successful rescue operation. In the aftermath of the incident, authorities ensured the safe transport of the rescued passengers to Phuket and Lanta Island.

In related news, Heaven Tour diving boat sinks near Surin Islands, Phang Nga, 2 missing, 14 rescued. Search operation launched after mishap during a diving trip. The incident occurred four miles south of the Surin Islands National Park. The boat, initially carrying 14 tourists, sank near Torinla Island. The Por Supranee 9 boat rescued 12 individuals, including tourists and crew members. Two individuals, one foreigner and one Thai, remain missing. Coordination efforts involve Rip vessels, Surin Islands National Park officials, and Naval Base Surin Island. Updates to follow as the search operation progresses.