French family saved from speedboat adrift

PHUKET: A French man and his family were rescued on Tuesday night after their speedboat broke down about two nautical miles from Koh Sirae.

Phuket Marine Police received a distress call from Patick Legros, 58, at about 8:30pm informing them that he, his wife and his 7-year-old daughter were in need of help.

Chatchai Sakdee of the Marine Police led a quick rescue operation, eventually towing the boat back to Rassada Pier.

“It took us about an hour and a half to pull the boat back due to the strong winds and high waves,” Lt Col Chatchai said.

“The family had made a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands earlier that day. They had left the area at about 1:30pm and were scheduled to arrive back at the Boat Lagoon Pier at 6pm,” Col Chatchai explained. “However, on the way back the engine of the boat, Kenavo, broke down.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong