Phuket boat crew tested for drugs after tragic speedboat accident
The tranquil morning at Chalong Pier in Phuket was disrupted yesterday as a swarm of officials descended on the scene. Their mission is to conduct drug tests on a group of 23 boat operators and crew members. This action was triggered by a tragic speedboat accident that occurred at Koh Maithon the previous day, resulting in the death of a 5 year old Russian girl, and severe injuries to several others, including the boat’s skipper.
In the aftermath of the accident, local news outlets Channel 7 News and Thai Post have reported that the captain of the ill-fated speedboat, Apirak 89, tested positive for methamphetamine usage. However, this information has not been officially acknowledged as a contributory factor in the horrifying accident.
The team of officials that arrived at Chalong Pier was led by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, who had only just begun his official duties on the island a few days prior, on December 29. Joining him were several key figures, including Phuket Marine Chief Nachapong Pranit and Udomporn Kan, who heads the Phuket Provincial office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), reports the Phuket News.
Also present was Thiwat Seedokbuab, the Deputy President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), which operates Chalong Pier. They were accompanied by officers from the PPHO, who were tasked with conducting the urine tests on the boat operators and crew members.
The results of the drug tests were reassuring, with none of the 23 samples testing positive for drugs, according to an official report. The report further stated that the purpose of these tests and the officials’ visit to the pier was to ensure adherence to maritime safety measures and to instil confidence among the locals and tourists alike.
While the drug tests have cleared the crew and operators at Chalong Pier of drug usage, the incident has cast a dark shadow over the region’s tourism industry. The official investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further measures will be taken to enhance maritime safety in the region and prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.
In related news, Heavy traffic in Phuket forces travellers to allocate extra time.
