A rescue boat deployed by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) assisted an injured Chinese tourist near Maiton Island after an emergency call from a local yacht operator.

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On 29 May 2026 at 5.45pm, Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, received an emergency report from Once Yachting Phuket that a foreign tourist had been injured off the eastern side of Maiton Island and required urgent assistance.

Following the report, Rewat instructed officers from the PAO Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division and staff from the Tourist Assistance Centre, known as the Pearl Centre, to deploy the rescue vessel “Khaimuk Andaman 5” along with an emergency medical team.

Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers found a 29-year-old Chinese woman suffering from an injury to her left knee. The injury had caused swelling after she tripped over a rope on board a boat.

Emergency personnel provided first aid at the scene, stabilised her leg and safely transferred her from the vessel, into the rescue boat. She was then transported to Ao Chalong Pier for onward transfer to hospital for further treatment.

Rewat said that tourist safety remains the highest priority for Phuket. He added that the Phuket PAO is committed to providing rapid and effective emergency assistance to strengthen confidence in safety among visitors travelling to the province.

The operation highlighted the role of local emergency response teams in assisting tourists in Phuket’s coastal and island areas, where quick access to medical care can be critical. The swift deployment of the rescue vessel and medical team ensured the injured tourist received immediate care before being transferred to shore.

As the injured tourist receives further treatment, local authorities are expected to continue maintaining emergency response readiness and support services for visitors throughout Phuket. The response also reflects ongoing efforts to support tourism by ensuring emergency assistance is available across the province’s popular island destinations.

Pictures courtesy of Phuket Times

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Phuket Times 31 May 2026

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An injured knee requires a rescue?

The boat operator is required to provide insurance for the customers, charge the operator.