Storm sinks Phi Phi ferry, ravages longtail, speedboat fleet

PHUKET: Heavy seas at Phi Phi Island this morning sunk a large passenger ferry, beached a cargo boat and heavily damaged at least six speedboats and 20 longtail boats, officials have confirmed.

The Andaman Jet Wave ferry, registered to carry 250 passengers, had yet to begin its daily operations of carrying tourists to and from Krabi and Phi Phi, explained Krabi Marine Police Inspector Chaiyasit Kancharoen.

“It was moored overnight at Tonsai Bay and started taking on water this morning,” Lt Col Chaiyasit told the Phuket Gazette.

“Nobody was on board,” he added.

Strong waves also beached a large cargo ferry, which sustained heavy damage by the pounding of the surf.

“Six speedboats and 20 longtail boats were also damaged,” Col Chaiyasit said.

“The boats were all moored close to shore,” he added.

All ports in Krabi have been closed due to the storm, Col Chaiyasit confirmed.

“Once the Storm clears and sea travel is safe, we will re-open the ports to regular shipping,” he said.

— Chutharat Plerin