Log caused Phuket speedboat accident

PHUKET: A log punched a hole in the hull of a speedboat that was rescued yesterday afternoon (story here), said the managing director of Andavaree, the company that owns the boat.

“I was notified by our captain that the 47-foot boat, powered by three engines, struck a log near Koh Gai as it was taking 52 people to Phi Phi Island, MD Krissada Phichetpongsanon said.

A company tour guide attempted to prevent the boat from sinking, while two rescue boats were dispatched by Andavaree to assist Andavaree 919.

“When the boat started to take on water, we asked for volunteers to grab snorkelling gear and jump into the water – everyone was already wearing life jackets. Ten tourists agreed to help lighten the boat’s load by getting into the water,” Mr Krissada said.

Those passengers were taken to Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island by a nearby speedboat, while the rest were transported to either Chalong Pier or Phi Phi by the company’s rescue boats, which arrived about 30 minutes after the incident.

“Andavaree 919 and all its passengers made it back safely,” Mr Krissada said.

“We had staff at the pier to take care of them and offer refunds for their trips. Almost all of them asked to reschedule the trip, as they would like to join us again. A few tourists that had flights accepted refunds.”

— Saran Mitrarat