Phi Phi Island Ferry Capsizes In Krabi

[george]

Ferry capsizes in Thailand, all safe

KRABI: -- A ferry carrying 42 people capsized Tuesday near Phi Phi in Krabi province but rescuers saved everyone who was on board.

The boat sank when a high wave hit hit the boat during a storm. The 38 passengers and four crew were all rescued shortly after the accident.

A passenger said about one third of the way to Phi Phi island, a strong storm broke out and the boat was hit by a big wave and capsized.

Krabi officials said during this time of year, there can be very rough waters and boat trips were not advised.

--The Nation 2007-08-21

[george]

Ferry Capsizes In Thailand, All 42 Passengers Safe

BANGKOK: -- A passenger ferry carrying 42 people capsized off southern Thailand Tuesday, but rescuers saved all the passengers, it was reported. The ferry was taking a group of local villagers to the resort island of Phi Phi when the incident occurred.

Police Col. Somphob Kantasee said, "A ferry, which had a capacity of up to 100 people, sank when a wave hit the boat during a storm."

He said all the passengers were locals, including 38 villagers and four crewmembers. All were rescued by responding ships, Kantasee said.

Provincial Governor Siri Siriwaluck said the ferry was nearing Phi Phi island when it encountered strong waves because of a local storm.

Siriwaluck told a local television station, "About one third of the way to Phi Phi island, a strong storm broke out and the boat was hit by a big wave and capsized. During this time of year, there can be very rough waters and we don't advise anyone taking this kind of boat trip."

Most of the victims sustained only minor injuries and were all in safe condition, he adds.

--AHN 2007-08-21

[george]

Ferry capsizes in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Dozens of people were missing after a boat capsized and sank Tuesday near a Thai resort island, police said.

The boat, carrying about a hundred passengers and crew, capsized after it faced strong currents and wind in the Andaman sea about 40 kilometers (24 miles) from mainland Krabi province, 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Bangkok, said police Col. Sompob Kantasee

The boat was traveling between Krabi province and a resort island of Phi Phi, he said.

"There are about 100 people on the boat which probably included some tourists," Sompob said, adding that bad weather likely caused the accident.

Rescue workers were searching for the missing passengers but no casualties have been reported.

Ferries and boats are a main mode of transportation between island resorts in southern Thailand.

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards mean accidents are common, especially during the rainy season.

--IHT 2007-08-21

[NBT TV Phuket]

Bad weather forced a boat from Krabi to Phi Phi Island to capsize yesterday evening but all passengers and crew were rescued, while tourists on another boat from Phuket were brought back due to safety fears.

<p> The first incident occurred at around 5 pm yesterday when Krabi Marine Office was notified that a passenger boat capsized near Pai island in Ao Nang sub-district of Krabi. After receiving the report, all responsible agencies including over 5 boats rushed to the scene. The rescue team found all 36 passengers were floating in the water with life jackets on and they all were brought back to shore safely with no one seriously injured. Some are famous local businessmen. The group was reported to be going for a merit making ceremony and planned to stay over night in Phi Phi island. The boat left Krabi’s Klong Jilad pier where they were brought back to. During a live phone interview with Channel 11 Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowaluck said he had instructed all piers or ports not to allow tourist or passengers boats plus small boats to go out to sea during the bad weather; and asks business operators not to take risks during bad storms; and that they carefully check weather conditions before making any sea journey.

Meanwhile on the same day, Phuket Marine police rushed out to assist a speed boat carrying 12 Chinese tourists with 4 Thai nationals on board. The boat requested assistance after they departed Phi Phi Island en route back to Phuket and faced heavy storms, forcing them to seek shelter at Green Island. Being a small boat with one of the passengers having a heart problem, the crew decided to seek assistance in fear of harming the tourist passenger. All passengers were brought back safely to Rassada port in Phuket despite difficult operations due to high waves.

Draft of text to be broadcast on Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) 8.30am + FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast from Phuket City to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, Mazz Radio FM108 at 7.30pm in Phuket & maybe later on Phuket Cable TV Channel 1, Wednesday 22 August 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com

[britmaveric]

Seas are rough this time of year - really need to be on guard.

[taxexile]

all 36 passengers were floating in the water with life jackets on

they must have brought their own.

rarely if ever, have i seen enough life jackets for all passengers on ferries here in thailand.

[chinthee]

all 36 passengers were floating in the water with life jackets on

they must have brought their own.

rarely if ever, have i seen enough life jackets for all passengers on ferries here in thailand.

On the Samui route, they'd have been mostly dead. swear to God.

[gery_songkran]

Ferry Capsizes In Thailand, All 42 Passengers Safe

BANGKOK: -- A passenger ferry carrying 42 people capsized off southern Thailand Tuesday, but rescuers saved all the passengers, it was reported. The ferry was taking a group of local villagers to the resort island of Phi Phi when the incident occurred.

Police Col. Somphob Kantasee said, "A ferry, which had a capacity of up to 100 people, sank when a wave hit the boat during a storm."

He said all the passengers were locals, including 38 villagers and four crewmembers. All were rescued by responding ships, Kantasee said.

Provincial Governor Siri Siriwaluck said the ferry was nearing Phi Phi island when it encountered strong waves because of a local storm.

Siriwaluck told a local television station, "About one third of the way to Phi Phi island, a strong storm broke out and the boat was hit by a big wave and capsized. During this time of year, there can be very rough waters and we don't advise anyone taking this kind of boat trip."

Most of the victims sustained only minor injuries and were all in safe condition, he adds.

--AHN 2007-08-21

[gery_songkran]

this area is known for dangerouse waters. Yet again a boat capsizing is investigative.to many thai boats are not managed correctly... its the same old situation.We must be grateful that the rescures were promt and prevented fatalities.

[seonai]

all the boats that ferry in Krabi, Phang Nga Phuket waters have been required by law to carry enough life jackets since a couple of years ago when we lost 11 people on our local ferry to Koh Yao. In my experience the Marine Police come on at the start of each journey and check every single person is wearing one. Then, as soon as we are out at sea, everyone takes them off

[mikederson]

It is commendable that no one died. I think sometimes we underestimate Thailand, I would have never thought these ferries had contingency plans, since there doesn't even appear to be enough life jackets often. But someone obviously stepped up: to rescue every individual after a ferry capsizes in rough seas is an incredible feat and shows that humanity ranks above all else.

[Bagwan]

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards mean accidents are common, especially during the rainy season.

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards add up to criminal negligence NOT accidents.

[zthyadat]

It is commendable that no one died. I think sometimes we underestimate Thailand, I would have never thought these ferries had contingency plans, since there doesn't even appear to be enough life jackets often. But someone obviously stepped up: to rescue every individual after a ferry capsizes in rough seas is an incredible feat and shows that humanity ranks above all else.

Oh yeah, that's Thailand for you; humanity above all else. Except for money, power and prestige, that is.

Doubtless things have improved over the years, Mr Mikederson, and good on the Thai rescuers and all, but let's not get too carried away just because proper safety standards were upheld for once, (instead of putting all the trust in one's amulet) and nobody died this time. And it really isn't that incredible a feat as long as everyone is wearing their lifejacket. It buys a lot of time when the victims aren't floundering around and climbing over each other with minutes to live before they drown each other -- which is what usually happens when a Bangkok river taxi dock collapses, something that occurs about once every three or four years.

[Woodcaulk]

Ferry Capsizes In Thailand, All 42 Passengers Safe

BANGKOK: -- A passenger ferry carrying 42 people capsized off southern Thailand Tuesday, but rescuers saved all the passengers, it was reported. The ferry was taking a group of local villagers to the resort island of Phi Phi when the incident occurred.

Police Col. Somphob Kantasee said, "A ferry, which had a capacity of up to 100 people, sank when a wave hit the boat during a storm."

Ferry capsizes in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Dozens of people were missing after a boat capsized and sank Tuesday near a Thai resort island, police said.

The boat, carrying about a hundred passengers and crew, capsized after it faced strong currents and wind in the Andaman sea about 40 kilometers (24 miles) from mainland Krabi province, 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Bangkok, said police Col. Sompob Kantasee

So which of these reports of the same incident do you suppose is factual????

Its always an adventure to read the news as reported by thais.....

[khall64au]

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards mean accidents are common, especially during the rainy season.

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards add up to criminal negligence NOT accidents.

We will see when the 'factual evidence' comes in.

ONE OF THESE DAYS, Thailand will learn to implement some safety standards@!!!

[MVSGUY]

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards mean accidents are common, especially during the rainy season.

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards add up to criminal negligence NOT accidents.

42 people on a ferry designed for 100 hardly constitutes overcrowding.

Does overcrowding happen? We probably but much less than in other countries such as Indonesia and the Phillipines.

[mr_lob]

i heard a sh*tload of rescue trucks go past my house last night and wondered what the fuss was all about (hoping the teenage mega exhaust, blue bolt d*ckheads had been in a major wipeout up the street).

ah well, good news everyone was OK, and gives us a new dive site!!

[surinmike]

da big surprise in da monsoon time lifejackets 4 all mmmmmmmmmmm

[jts-khorat]

Just for the record, as this seems not to be mentioned anywhere:

THIS WAS NOT A TOURIST FERRY, BUT A RENTED BOAT OF A THAI GROUP.

So no tourists were in danger at any time. Also, safety standards have improved between Phi Phi and other locations and ARE enforced; there have been enough accidents to make this happen in the past (which is past!).

Weather was particular bad and strong winds and waves are dangerous for the small vehicles groups can rent. This has NOTHING to do with the safety of the big ferry ships or safety standards on normal tourist transports.

Rescue was fast and coordinated. Also that a thing that needs to be mentioned and the Thai teams doing their good work need to be commendated.

Still, even under such circumstances some here find a way for Thai bashing :-(

[nyles]

Ferry Capsizes In Thailand, All 42 Passengers Safe

BANGKOK: -- A passenger ferry carrying 42 people capsized off southern Thailand Tuesday, but rescuers saved all the passengers, it was reported. The ferry was taking a group of local villagers to the resort island of Phi Phi when the incident occurred.

Police Col. Somphob Kantasee said, "A ferry, which had a capacity of up to 100 people, sank when a wave hit the boat during a storm."

Ferry capsizes in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Dozens of people were missing after a boat capsized and sank Tuesday near a Thai resort island, police said.

The boat, carrying about a hundred passengers and crew, capsized after it faced strong currents and wind in the Andaman sea about 40 kilometers (24 miles) from mainland Krabi province, 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Bangkok, said police Col. Sompob Kantasee

So which of these reports of the same incident do you suppose is factual????

Its always an adventure to read the news as reported by thais.....

It's always an adventure to read the anti-thai prejudices on thaivisa, but not a good one. Can anyone tell me what all of those negative farangs are doing in Thailand?

[nikster]

It is commendable that no one died. I think sometimes we underestimate Thailand, I would have never thought these ferries had contingency plans, since there doesn't even appear to be enough life jackets often. But someone obviously stepped up: to rescue every individual after a ferry capsizes in rough seas is an incredible feat and shows that humanity ranks above all else.

Well said, Sir.

I am happy that everyone was saved.

[taxexile]

ive seen no thai bashing on this thread , only justified comments on the appaling lack of safety awareness and implementation of standards regarding the welfare of the travelling public in thailand.

it seems as if this hired boat was up to standard and thankfully so.

much of the daily transportation used by the general public , by road and sea , in this country is not up to standard.

that is a fact , and to mention it is not thai bashing.

[donna]

Just for the record, as this seems not to be mentioned anywhere:

THIS WAS NOT A TOURIST FERRY, BUT A RENTED BOAT OF A THAI GROUP.

So no tourists were in danger at any time. Also, safety standards have improved between Phi Phi and other locations and ARE enforced; there have been enough accidents to make this happen in the past (which is past!).

Weather was particular bad and strong winds and waves are dangerous for the small vehicles groups can rent. This has NOTHING to do with the safety of the big ferry ships or safety standards on normal tourist transports.

Rescue was fast and coordinated. Also that a thing that needs to be mentioned and the Thai teams doing their good work need to be commendated.

Still, even under such circumstances some here find a way for Thai bashing :-(

im glad that everyone appears to be safe (depending on which report you choose to believe).

i do not see the difference between a tourist boat and a local boat. human lives are precious no matter what nationality. im glad that the rescue teams got it together in time to save these people, and, for that, they should be commended.

[chocolatecheese]

Well.. so now I wonder.. where should be the safest place to stay on ferry.. up stair.. down stair.. in cabin or outside..

[stumonster]

Well.. so now I wonder.. where should be the safest place to stay on ferry.. up stair.. down stair.. in cabin or outside..

always know where the quickest exits are , and learn to use your clothing as a flotation device.

[stevenl]

I was on a diving boat myself yesterday from Phuket to Racha Yai, so we received both currents and waves from the side, the same as a boat from Ao Nang to Phi Phi would endure.

Yes, the waves were high and the wind was strong, but nothing exceptionally bad and the whole trip there was no danger whatsoever. It sounds to me, but I don't know all the facts of course, neither doe anybody so far, that the boats (or actually boat, because one speedboat, not most suitable for this kind of weather) was wise enough to prevent accidents from happening) was either extremely unlucky or maintenance was low or there was something else wrong with the boat.

The wind and waves were not high enough for any well maintained boat to sink.

[TopDogger]

THIS WAS NOT A TOURIST FERRY, BUT A RENTED BOAT OF A THAI GROUP.

Must have been life jackets on board then, coz only about 1 in 10 of those will have been able to swim !

[TopDogger]

Well.. so now I wonder.. where should be the safest place to stay on ferry.. up stair.. down stair.. in cabin or outside..

always know where the quickest exits are , and learn to use your clothing as a flotation device.

Gonna be a little difficult if dressed in Shorts / T-Shirt / Sandals..

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: Bad weather forced a boat from Krabi to Phi Phi Island to capsize yesterday evening but all passengers and crew were rescued, while tourists on another boat from Phuket were brought back due to safety fears.

To now see or download mini-video, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=214545

[chocolatecheese]

Well.. so now I wonder.. where should be the safest place to stay on ferry.. up stair.. down stair.. in cabin or outside..

always know where the quickest exits are , and learn to use your clothing as a flotation device.

Gonna be a little difficult if dressed in Shorts / T-Shirt / Sandals..

haha right... when on board should look where's the nearest life jacket so can grab it fast..