Storms smash Phuket fishing boats

PHUKET: This week’s storms have put the livelihoods of many of Phuket fishermen at risk after violent waves damaged more than 30 fishing boats and left fish farming pens washed up onto shoreline rocks.

Kawi Saranakhomkun of the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office yesterday said that villagers from all three districts of Phuket had asked the office for help after their fishing equipment was damaged or destroyed.

In Pa Khlok subdistrict, 27 boats were smashed on rocks, while seven fish traps off Ban Kho En village in Mai Khao were also destroyed.

In Chalong Bay seven boats were damaged, while ten fish traps were destroyed off Ban Palai.

Five fish traps were also damaged off Koh Maphrao in Koh Kaew subdistrict.

Mr Kawi said the Fisheries Office was surveying the damage and considering what assistance it could provide the affected fishermen.

Any fishermen affected should inform the provincial office or one of the district fishery offices in Phuket, Mr Kawi said.

— Manager Online