Narrow escape at sea: Quick action prevents speedboat disaster off Phuket’s coast

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.

 

A near-drowning incident involving five individuals on a speedboat off the coast of Maithon Island, Phuket, was averted by swift action from local authorities.

 

The vessel was in danger of capsizing due to water ingress but was successfully brought ashore at Chalong Bay, with all passengers safe. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

 

The alarming news was reported to Jirayut Niyomdet, an officer of the Third Naval Area Command and the Phuket Harbour Office, by Wichit Police Station. The speedboat was reported to be sinking near the eastern side of Maithon Island, located in the Rassada district of Phuket.

 

On receiving the call, Nattaphong Pruektarathikul, a naval officer, led a team on Boat 706 (Vasuthep) to the site to conduct a rescue operation. Upon reaching the location, they found Boat 272 from the Third Naval Area Command already engaged in the rescue operation, reported KhaoSod.

 

by Nattapong Westwood

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/swift-phuket-authorities-prevent-near-drowning-of-five-in-capsized-speedboat-near-maithon-island

 

-- Thaiger 2023-08-24

 

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[Eleftheros]

33 minutes ago, webfact said:

The vessel was in danger of capsizing due to water ingress

In English, we would say: "The boat was sinking."

[scottiejohn]

3 hours ago, Eleftheros said:

In English, we would say: "The boat was sinking."

No we would not!

A vessel that capsizes does not necessarily sink, it means it has overturned!

 

It could still be righted and sail on!

 

 

Edited August 24, 2023 by scottiejohn

[Eleftheros]

27 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

No we would not!

A vessel that capsizes does not necessarily sink, it means it has overturned!

 

It could still be righted and sail on!

Yes, but think about it.

 

When you get "water ingress", where does that water settle? At the bottom of the boat. That lowers the center of gravity of the boat and makes it harder to roll over and capsize. This is the principle of ballast, which many smaller boats use. They often use water in tanks for that purpose.

 

I can't think of any situation where water pouring into a boat could possibly make it capsize rather than just sink.

[Yorkshire Tea]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A near-drowning incident

No life jackets?

[scottiejohn]

27 minutes ago, Eleftheros said:

Yes, but think about it.

You haven't!

Have you got 28 years seagoing experience and have any practical knowledge of the subject?

 

[Soupdragon]

30 minutes ago, Eleftheros said:

Yes, but think about it.

 

When you get "water ingress", where does that water settle? At the bottom of the boat. That lowers the center of gravity of the boat and makes it harder to roll over and capsize. This is the principle of ballast, which many smaller boats use. They often use water in tanks for that purpose.

 

I can't think of any situation where water pouring into a boat could possibly make it capsize rather than just sink.

Waves rock the boat. The water sloshes about. Over it goes.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, Soupdragon said:

Waves rock the boat. The water sloshes about. Over it goes.

The Op photo shows calm seas.

[stevenl]

38 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

The Op photo shows calm seas.

Yes, in the sheltered area afterwards.

[impulse]

39 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

13 hours ago, Soupdragon said:

Waves rock the boat. The water sloshes about. Over it goes.

The Op photo shows calm seas.

Happens all the time in calm water.  Has to do with the center of gravity vs the center of buoyancy.  You can also throw in fancy terms like metacentric height.

 

Some boats sink upright, others capsize.  If there's enough air trapped under a capsized boat, it'll float indefinitely.  That's why you'll see hundreds of YouTubes with people clinging to their capsized boats when rescue crews arrive.

 

Regarding the terminology, we just called it "taking on water".  What happens eventually is anyone's guess.

[KhunLA]

13 hours ago, Eleftheros said:

Yes, but think about it.

 

When you get "water ingress", where does that water settle? At the bottom of the boat. That lowers the center of gravity of the boat and makes it harder to roll over and capsize. This is the principle of ballast, which many smaller boats use. They often use water in tanks for that purpose.

 

I can't think of any situation where water pouring into a boat could possibly make it capsize rather than just sink.

Wouldn't that depend on the design of the boat itself.  Along with sloshing around as a wave hits it.   Especially if dead in the water.

 

If listing on the downside of a wave and water sloshes to that side ... oops

[Aussie999]

Guys, who cares if it sunk, capsized, took on water  etc, geez. It's just lucky everyone survived, no mention of lifejacjets, but also thete seemed a lack of communications between the navy.

[Tropposurfer]

Seems like lots of people got too much free time on their hands today lol ????