Lucky seven ‘float’ to safety after Phuket longtail capsizes

All seven passengers were plucked to safety after a longtail boat capsized near Koh Rang Yai, just off Phuket’s east coast, late yesterday afternoon. The alarm was raised at 5.20pm yesterday, October 21, a mere ten-minute boat ride from the shore, and police dashed to the scene.

Rescue teams sprang into action, racing from AA Marina Pier in Rassada, while nearby vessels rushed to lend a hand. The drama at sea ended safely, with all seven passengers, including six Thai nationals and one man holding dual British and Taiwanese citizenship, quickly brought ashore.

Meanwhile, three boat operators toiled at the scene to right the upturned vessel. The rescued group was whisked to Bangkok Hospital Phuket, where four were declared unscathed, and three were treated for minor scrapes. Thankfully, none of the injuries required an overnight stay.

The entire rescue operation took about one hour, according to police reports. Passengers recounted that the boat had been travelling at a safe speed when it started to tilt and eventually capsized, likely due to high waves, reported The Phuket News.

The longtail boat was later towed to Tambon Phru Nai on Koh Yao Yai. Police are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the incident.