Picture courtesy of สวท.ตราด Facebook page

 

Nearly 100 tourists faced a harrowing ordeal when their boat's hull ruptured during a return trip from Koh Kut to Trat province on November 20. The incident triggered an urgent rescue operation by Thai authorities, mobilizing a multi-agency response to the emergency distress call. So far, 47 passengers have been safely rescued and brought ashore, with no serious injuries reported.

 

The rupture occurred while the vessel was in open water, prompting immediate action by the Maritime Security Operations Command. Local rescue teams, fishing boats, and nearby authorities collaborated to ensure the passengers' safe transfer to rescue vessels. A designated zone onshore facilitated the reception and assistance of the stranded tourists, all of whom appeared shaken by the incident.

 

As authorities work to rescue the remaining passengers, investigators are probing the cause behind the boat's hull damage. A comprehensive damage assessment and safety inspection are planned once the situation is fully stabilized. Emergency services remain on standby, continuing their efforts to account for all individuals involved.

 

The event is set against the backdrop of another recent incident on November 6, when four foreign tourists were rescued after their speedboat hit rocks near Maiton Island, Phuket. Reports suggested warnings about dangerous conditions were ignored, leading to that accident, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• A ruptured hull prompted a major rescue operation off Koh Kut.
• 47 of 97 tourists have been rescued without serious injuries.
• Investigations are underway to determine the rupture's cause.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-11-20

 

 

 

Note the boat pictured is one bringing tourists ashore. This is the one they were rescued from 

UPDATE
Tour Boat Damaged by Heavy Waves, 97 Rescued off Trat

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A tourist passenger boat returning from Koh Kood was struck by powerful waves on 20 November, causing a hull breach and gradual flooding before rescue teams brought all 97 people on board to safety. The incident occurred near Koh Kradad, where strong winds and high waves created hazardous conditions for the vessel, identified as the Suea Dam Gold. Despite the severity of the damage, all 92 tourists and five crew members were evacuated without injury.

 

Officials from the Trat Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office received the alert and immediately coordinated with the Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 1. The location was approximately 15 kilometres from Koh Kood Pier and about 20 kilometres from the mainland, making rapid response essential. Local fishing boats and speedboats joined the rescue effort as the vessel continued taking on water.

 

At the scene, responders found tourists, both Thai and foreign, wearing life jackets, though some were visibly distressed due to the rough sea conditions. The first group of 43 passengers was taken ashore at Laem Son Pier in Ao Yai, Mueang District. A second group of 49 passengers was transported to Laem Sok Pier, followed later by the five crew members, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 97.

 

Authorities confirmed that no one was missing. The Marine Department’s Trat office reported a visible hull rupture as the cause of the water ingress that caused the boat to begin sinking. Officials emphasised that weather conditions in the area had worsened at the time of the incident, contributing to the emergency.

 

Rescue operations continued as the damaged vessel remained afloat but heavily compromised. Teams deployed water-pumping equipment to remove seawater from the hull while stabilising the boat. The aim was to escort the vessel safely back to shore once it was sufficiently dewatered.

 

Daily News reported that further assessments will determine the extent of the structural damage and whether repairs are feasible. Investigators are expected to review maintenance records and weather advisories issued before departure. Authorities also plan to evaluate safety procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• All 97 people on board, including 92 tourists and five crew members, were safely rescued.

• A hull breach caused the Suea Dam Gold to take on water amid strong winds and high waves.

• Officials are working to dewater and tow the vessel to shore for further inspection.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-21

 

They blame the waves. but if you watch the video, the waves are not big at all. I hope they find the real. Reason for the boats distress. 

I took an inter-island boat from Koh Chang to Koh Kood that didn't have life jackets. 

Good that everyone lives to tell the tale of this misadventure.

 

Of course, I'm sure lessons will be learnt...

2 hours ago, thesetat said:

They blame the waves. but if you watch the video, the waves are not big at all. I hope they find the real. Reason for the boats distress. 

The guy in the video says the waves were 4-5 meters.

2 hours ago, thesetat said:

They blame the waves. but if you watch the video, the waves are not big at all. I hope they find the real. Reason for the boats distress. 

The vessel appears to be a locally built trimaran. Based on my experience operating ocean certified power Catamarans (50m +\-) multihulls often have difficulty with short/steep, high frequency waves created by localized winds with the waves entering the spaces between the hulls (amas), building up and slapping the undersides. Sometimes this can be quite violent and if the vessel has any weaknesses, it can damage the hull, or loosen through-hulls and similar.

Reducing speed and changing course is often the best option to limit the potential for damage. 
 

cheers
 

2 hours ago, Real Name Hidden said:

I took an inter-island boat from Koh Chang to Koh Kood that didn't have life jackets. 

Friends were on Koh Chang the last weekend of October, their snorkeling / islands tour was cut short as their boat went to the assistance of a broken down tourist vessel that off-loaded it's passengers who were then taken back to KC. At least they had lifejackets.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The aim was to escort the vessel safely back to shore once it was sufficiently dewatered.

 

That's a new word for me.

Now not the brakes to blame but the waves.... Yeah always a option to safe your face...

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6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A tourist passenger boat returning from Koh Kood was struck by powerful waves on 20 November, causing a hull breach and gradual flooding before rescue teams brought all 97 people on board to safety. The incident occurred near Koh Kradad, where strong winds and high waves created hazardous conditions for the vessel, identified as the Suea Dam Gold.

Gotta make money, regardless of the dangers.

Safety last Thailand.

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A ruptured hull prompted a major rescue operation off Koh Kut.

 

 

From the first photo shown in the OP, the number on the side of the boat's hull is very appropriate  "999". (the emergency services number in the UK)

Another boat accident. It’s every few days. They’re a bunch of amateurs. They never check the weather reports, overload, no safety, dodgy licensing. 
I hate taking boats in Thailand , had 2 nasty moments years back on Phuket. 
As I like Koh Chang, there’s no option, but I do try to go when it’s good weather . The ferries do have life jackets etc and I sit near them, really !