Collision on Chao Phraya River Near Bangkok Bridge, One Boat Sinks

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A boat collision occurred on the Chao Phraya River near the Bangkok Bridge on December 4, resulting in one vessel sinking and damage to five others. Police officers from Bang Kho Laem Police Station, along with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department and the Marine Department, were dispatched to the scene to investigate.

 

The incident took place near the Bangkok Bridge, where six boats were involved. One boat, a 40-seat vessel, completely sank, while another sustained significant damage to its side and rear. Three additional boats were also damaged during the collision. A number of the boats damaged are tourist boats, used for dining cruises.

 

Mr. Thongchai, a 61-year-old boat operator, stated that he was transporting charcoal to Ayutthaya when the collision occurred. He explained that the strong current caused one of the two towing ropes on the left side of his vessel to snap, rendering the boat uncontrollable. As a result, his vessel veered off course and collided with boats moored along the riverbank. Police took Mr. Thongchai to Bang Kho Laem Police Station for further questioning.

 

Ms. Pimphimon, a 61-year-old passenger on the cargo boat, recounted the terrifying moment the rope snapped, causing the vessel to lose control. She was in the kitchen when she heard shouts warning of the impending collision. The boat, which had departed from Si Chang Island and was headed toward Nakhon Luang District in Ayutthaya, struck the stationary boats along the riverbank. Ms. Pimphimon expressed her shock, describing the incident as the first of its kind she had experienced.

 

Another passenger, Ms. Jeab, confirmed the account, adding that she saw the collision but was unable to intervene due to the strong current and the broken towing rope.

 

Mr. Thanaphat, a local resident who witnessed the collision, reported hearing a loud crash at approximately 10:00. He rushed out to see a cargo vessel crashing into several moored boats, with some of them drifting into the bridge in the middle of the river. One boat sank entirely. Fortunately, there were no injuries, as most of the boats along the riverbank were unoccupied at the time.

 

Initial assessments suggest that the strong morning currents may have caused the cargo vessel to lose control, leading to the collision. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause and cost of the incident.

 

-- 2024-12-05

 

 

[ChrisY1]

Mmmm....the tow rope snapped?......Maintenance is expensive....anyway..it's just a rope and should be fine....I'll let the boss know:)

[JoePai]

Brakes