Chinese tourists saved from sinking boat

PHUKET: More than a dozen Chinese tourists and a speedboat crew were safely rescued after their boat sank near Koh Kai this weekend.

The 16 tourists were on their way to Phi Phi from Phuket when their speedboat, Papangkorn, struck an unknown object causing the boat to take on water, Phuket Marine Police Chief Panya Chaichana told the Phuket Gazette.

“The boat owner, Natthapong Phuthong, reported that a nearby speedboat named Anurak 1 had been following the Papangkorn and was called upon to help rescue the tourists, tour guide, boat captain and crew,” Col Panya explained.

Kanokkoy Naphan, 26, Papangkorn‘s captain, said he left Asia Marine in Phuket for Phi Phi at about 10am.

“I have no idea what hit the bottom of the boat, but as soon as I noticed that we were taking on water, I called for help from Anurak 1,” Mr Kanokkoy said.

“I am thankful that we are all safe, especially the tourists.”

Mr Kanokkoy confirmed that all the tourists had their life jackets on.

“All of the tourists and crew were transported to Maya Bay safely,” Col Panya said. “Salvage of the sunken speedboat will be the responsibility of the boat owner.”

— Chutharat Plerin