Tour Boat Capsizes in Cheow Lan Dam in Storm: Search for Missing French Tourist

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A long-tail tour boat carrying 13 people capsized in the Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapha Dam) in Surat Thani province after being hit by a sudden storm, leaving one French tourist missing and others injured.

 

The incident occurred just before noon on November 23, near the scenic Three Friends Mountain (Khao Sam Kler), a popular tourist attraction in the area. The missing passenger, 83-year-old Mr. Rene Mary Corre, was among a group of 10 French tourists on a trip to Thailand, guided by a local tour company.

 

According to Ms. Petchaluck Ruchirawarat, the group’s tour guide, the weather was initially clear when they departed from the pier to explore the dam, often called “Thailand’s Guilin” for its stunning limestone formations. “The sky was beautiful when we started,” she recounted. “The group took photos at a popular spot, and everything seemed normal. But just seven minutes after we left the photo area, dark clouds appeared, and heavy rain with strong winds struck suddenly, capsizing the boat at 11:45.”

 

Ms. Petchaluck confirmed that all passengers were wearing life jackets when the boat overturned. Most of the group, including the guide and the boat operator, were rescued by nearby tour boats. However, Mr. Corre was swept away by strong currents.

 

Following the incident, search and rescue operations were launched, coordinated by district officials and national park authorities. GPS tracking from the missing tourist’s phone led rescuers to find a floating bag belonging to him near the scene.

 

Twelve individuals, including four French tourists who suffered minor injuries, were brought back to safety. Two of them were treated for chest pains and water inhalation at a local hospital, while another was transferred to Surat Thani Hospital for further care.

 

At 18:00 search efforts were suspended due to worsening weather and rough water conditions, with operations set to resume on November 24 at first light..

 

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and have questioned the boat operator. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable weather conditions that can occur during Thailand’s monsoon season, even on seemingly clear days.

 

Authorities urged operators and tourists to exercise caution and stay updated on weather forecasts when exploring natural attractions.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-24

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
French Tourist Still Missing After Boat Capsizes at Ratchaprapa Dam

 

 

Authorities are continuing their search for a missing French tourist after a longtail boat capsized on 23 November, near the famous “Guilin of Thailand,” or Khao Sam Kloe, in the reservoir of Ratchaprapa Dam (also known as Cheow Lan Dam) in Surat Thani province.

 

As of the morning  of 24 November, there has been no sign of the missing tourist. Search efforts led by officials from Khao Sok National Park and other agencies are ongoing but have been hindered by continuous rainfall and the remote location, approximately 20 kilometres from the pier.

 

Somchat, the boat operator of the capsized vessel, stated that the incident occurred due to a sudden gust of wind. “At the time, the engine was running at low power, and the boat’s balance was unstable. A strong wind flipped the boat over,” he explained. He insisted that the boat was not overloaded, carrying 13 passengers, including himself.

 

“Other boats nearby, over 10 of them, immediately came to help. A guide mentioned that one tourist may have been assisted by others, so we remain hopeful the tourist is safe,” Somchat added.

 

Authorities are intensifying their search operations as families of the missing tourist await news.

 

Picture of search area.

-- 2024-11-24

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Underwater Drones Deployed in Search for Missing Tourist

 

 

Authorities have established a rescue operation centre and deployed underwater drones in an effort to locate a missing tourist after a sightseeing boat capsized at Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as Cheow Lan Lake, in Surat Thani.

 

on November 24, a meeting was held at the Ban Cheow Lan Municipal Pier, chaired by Mr. Chaowalit Chuaysong, Mayor of Ban Cheow Lan Subdistrict Municipality. Participants included officials from Khao Sok National Park, Ban Cheow Lan Municipality, Surat Thani Provincial Police, Ban Ta Khun Police Station, Tourist Police, and other relevant agencies.

 

A dedicated search centre has been established, focusing on searching accommodations and nearby shorelines, with the hope that the missing tourist may have been rescued by another boat amidst the chaos. In addition, Khao Sok National Park officials have deployed underwater drones to scan the area where the boat sank.

 

Preliminary findings of the incident, revealed that the boat operator possessed a valid license, the vessel was legally registered, and insurance was in place for the tourists. Authorities determined the incident was caused by unforeseeable natural factors.

 

Tourist Police have interviewed the surviving foreign tourists. The tour company has provided accommodations in Surat Thani City for eight tourists, while one injured individual remains hospitalised at Surat Thani Hospital. Police and Tourist Police have visited the hospital to monitor the victim’s condition.

 

The rescue operation continues as authorities intensify efforts to locate the missing tourist using advanced equipment and coordinated planning.

 

Picture of the drones being used in the search.

-- 2024-11-24