Man Rescued After 4 Hours Adrift at Sea Following Boat Capsize Near Phi Phi Island

Picture courtesy of Workpoint News

A 40-year-old boatman has been rescued after spending more than four hours adrift in the Andaman Sea, clinging to a plastic container, following the capsizing of his longtail boat in rough waters near Bamboo Island, Krabi.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of 20 July when the man, known only as Bang Meed, a resident of Koh Sriboya in Nuea Khlong District, was delivering goods from Krabi town to Phi Phi Island. He departed around noon but encountered heavy seas and strong winds near Bamboo Island, where his vessel was overturned by powerful waves.

Concern grew when the Port Security Control Centre in Krabi was informed by the captain of another cargo boat, operated by a local hotel, that contact had been lost with the longtail boat earlier in the afternoon. A search effort was initiated immediately.

At approximately 20:30, Mr Seksan a 59-year-old captain of a separate cargo vessel returning from Phi Phi to Krabi, spotted a faint light flickering in the distance. Upon investigation, he discovered Bang Meed floating in the sea, clutching a water container for buoyancy and wearing a headlamp, the very light that ultimately led to his rescue.

Mr Seksan brought the exhausted man aboard and safely transported him back to shore. Bang Meed, though weak and fatigued, was conscious. He was promptly taken home by concerned relatives upon arrival.

Mr Seksan explained that sea conditions at the time of the incident included waves as high as three metres and strong winds. He added that the boatman was fortunate to survive, and had it not been for the visibility of the headlamp in the darkened sea, he might not have been found in time.

The capsized longtail boat and its cargo were lost to the sea. Nonetheless, authorities praised the timely rescue and reminded local seafarers to always carry safety gear, including personal flotation devices and signalling equipment, particularly during the current conditions.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-22