12 rescued after longtail boat capsizes off Krabi

Twelve people, including 10 Indian tourists, were rescued after large waves overturned their longtail tour boat off Krabi on 15 August.

The boat was travelling from Ao Nang to Hong Island when it encountered heavy seas near Laem Hang Nak in Nong Thale subdistrict, Muang district. Six people suffered minor injuries and three tourists were taken to hospital.

Rescue off Laem Hang Nak

Saengsuree Songthong, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, said the park was alerted to a tour longtail boat being hit by waves and capsizing near Laem Hang Nak.

Park patrol officers were immediately sent to inspect the area in a national park patrol boat. By the time they arrived, however, all those aboard had already been brought ashore.

A passing speedboat, named SAYANG TOUR, had spotted the people in the water and rescued them, taking them to Klong Muang beach in Nong Thale.

Those rescued were 10 Indian visitors, one guide and the boat captain. The longtail boat, operated by an unnamed tour company, was found overturned and partly submerged at sea.

Three taken to hospital

Officers from National Park Protection Unit 4 at Tubkaek, together with Nong Thale local rescue staff and the Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation, met the passengers after they reached Klong Muang.

Three tourists were taken to hospital. Authorities said six of the 12 people had sustained minor injuries. No deaths were reported.

The boat's owner will arrange a further operation to recover the vessel, officials said.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Weather checks urged for sea trips

Officials said the incident occurred during a period of rough seas and warned all boats, particularly small vessels, to check weather and sea conditions carefully before setting out.

Hong Island is a popular excursion from Ao Nang and other parts of the Krabi coast. The route normally crosses open water, where conditions can change quickly.

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16 August 2026