Tourist killed as boat capsizes off Phuket

[george]

Diveboat sinks: One believed dead

PHUKET: -- It is believed that at least one person died when a diveboat capsized and sank 40 kilometers off the coast of Phuket in a storm this morning.

Details are still sketchy but the Gazette understands that the 20-meter boat, from Khao Lak-based dive business Bubble Blue, was travelling from Phuket to the Similan Islands when it was hit by a four-meter wave at around 8 am.

At least one person on board, a woman tourist named as Sukonthapan Weerawan, is said to have died.

It is thought that there were 13 passengers and five crew on board at the time.

A police boat and a navy boat were sent to the scene after the alert was raised – at 12.50 pm – and Capt Kiatkul Suwan, Commander Officer of Naval Air Section Third Area Command, told the Gazette that a helicopter was also sent to the scene.

Capt Kiatkul said the helicopter had been kept on standby until 5.30 pm, but did not pick anyone up , and it then had to be sent to Cape Panwa, where another boat had sunk.

He added that the Royal Thai Navy vessel Kamronsin was put on standby during the day between Koh Similan and Koh Surin, but returned to Phuket just after 6 pm.

--Phuket Gazette 2005-06-07

[george]

Update:

Tourist killed as boat capsizes off Phuket

PHUKET: -- One Thai woman was killed today when a tourist boat capsized in heavy seas off Thailand's southern coast of Phuket.

The 'Bubble Blue' tourist boat capsized this morning, as it was taking 19 Thai tourists from Phuket to dive near the Similan Islands.

Survivors told of how they had encountered heavy waves around 20 nautical miles from the coast, with water pouring onto the deck and eventually sinking the boat.

The passengers were forced to float at sea until they were rescued by a fishing boat, who conducted the navy to provide a helicopter to return the passengers to shore.

But one passenger was left in critical condition after the accident, and died some time later.

Mr. Tosak Wanitkachorn, director of the south-eastern coastal Meteorological Centre, warned that the south-western monsoon was currently covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, and said that boats should exercise caution.

--TNA 2005-06-07

[Laulen]

How very sad for those Thai tourists and the dead lady's family.

Let's hope that those remaining have the courage to make a return journey at a different time of year, when the seas are not so rough!

Laulen

[jaapfries]

Diveboat sinks: One believed dead

PHUKET: -- It is believed that at least one person died when a diveboat capsized and sank 40 kilometers off the coast of Phuket in a storm this morning.

Details are still sketchy but the Gazette understands that the 20-meter boat, from Khao Lak-based dive business Bubble Blue, was travelling from Phuket to the Similan Islands when it was hit by a four-meter wave at around 8 am.

At least one person on board, a woman tourist named as Sukonthapan Weerawan, is said to have died.

It is thought that there were 13 passengers and five crew on board at the time.

A police boat and a navy boat were sent to the scene after the alert was raised – at 12.50 pm – and Capt Kiatkul Suwan, Commander Officer of Naval Air Section Third Area Command, told the Gazette that a helicopter was also sent to the scene.

Capt Kiatkul said the helicopter had been kept on standby until 5.30 pm, but did not pick anyone up , and it then had to be sent to Cape Panwa, where another boat had sunk.

He added that the Royal Thai Navy vessel Kamronsin was put on standby during the day between Koh Similan and Koh Surin, but returned to Phuket just after 6 pm.

--Phuket Gazette 2005-06-07

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Amazing Thailand: in other words, it took almost five (5) hours for the first rescue asset from the Thai Gov. to get to the "scene" . . . . . it's a miracle that only 1 person perished here, since this 20 meter boat apparently sank after being hit by a four (4) meter wave ? ? ? ?

And the commercial industry in that region is wondering why many tourists are avoiding the place . . . . well: there's one answer, hey ?!

Nothing really surprises me anymore (14 year Thailand "veteran") - but this does really &n truly suck !

[Sir Burr]

It used to be that dive boats stopped going to the Similan islands during the SW monsoon to allow the place to recover and it was deemed that visibility was not good enough due to the rough seas.

I think that the greed of the dive companies have a lot to do with it. What was the boat doing out there in the first place? There are plenty of marine weather fore-cast sites on the web eg. buoyweather.com

Edited June 7, 2005 by Sir Burr

[scubachild]

While I don't condone taking a boat out in bad conditions -- lets not forget that post Tsunami many businesses including dive busineses are struggling to survive. This time at least being greedy is probabley not the motivation.

[RDN]

While I don't condone taking a boat out in bad conditions -- lets not forget that post Tsunami many businesses including dive busineses are struggling to survive. This time at least being greedy is probabley not the motivation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But it's all about money. I don't care if it's "greed" or "survival". Weather forecasts are available and should be the top priority of these companies at this time of year. The wind was so strong in Phuket that several of my potted plants were blown over and the metal gate at the end of the drive - on rollers - was blown open so fast it came off the runner. What was a boat doing out at sea during this weather? Bubble Blue = Culpable manslaughter. No excuses. I hope they go out of business.

[Khun Larry]

Bubble Blue = Culpable manslaughter. No excuses. I hope they go out of business.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dam fool was probably going full speed same as the mini van drivers.

[BlackJack]

i was in a small boat once when a storm was looming

we headed off into it

the captain was "singing" to appease the spirits and to calm the sea - we made it back to Krabi - wet, cold, scared.................

the captain continued his singing and drinking the spirits

TIT

Edited June 7, 2005 by BlackJack

[dezeure]

Amazing Thai Rescue... 5 hours???

Looks like the safety precations they made a few months ago for Full moon parties made a difference... Enough life jackets and trained crew... otherwise more deaths would have occurred.

[Heng]

Yeah, and may as well blame the tourists themselves for not getting the latest in GPS tracking and portable/waterproof satellite phones before going on this trip. Never know when you might have to send out a distress call.

[udon]

Another sad story of lives lost at sea.

Would a waterproofed mobile work 40Km out of Phuket?

[cobra]

Well so much for the "aggressively enforced ..." after the recent Phangan Full Moon accident(s),

Then again there's only so much the gov can do, especially against forces of nature. This could have been a lot worse, still any loss of life is tragic.

[ThaiLover1]

Interesting story.

Nice to hear most of the people made back to shore.

How about sharks? If people float around in the ocean for 5 hours, would it not attract some attention from the "big man-eating fish"? (Just curious.)

[thymode91]

How very sad for those Thai tourists and the dead lady's family.

Let's hope that those remaining have the courage to make a return journey at a different time of year, when the seas are not so rough!

Laulen

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yeah... i hope so.

[sriracha john]

Another sad story of lives lost at sea.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes, the third fatal boating accident of 2005...

[justaskdan]

Interesting story.

Nice to hear most of the people made back to shore.

How about sharks? If people float around in the ocean for 5 hours, would it not attract some attention from the "big man-eating fish"? (Just curious.)

Although the Andaman is full of sharks, with more than 20 varieties, they have enough food to not be very aggressive towards Humans. If there is no blood in the water I doubt that they would even know that those people were floating out there. That and the fact that in a heavy storm sharks aren't likely to be feeding on the surface and they generally feed at dusk and dawn. I think sharks would have been the least of these people's problems.

Edited June 8, 2005 by justaskdan

[NBT TV Phuket]

to your readers/members:

If you would like another source of news about this story

or any news from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi and other related stories, you are welcome to watch Andaman News on TV channel 11 in Phuket (on local VHF band not cable), or listen on Radio Thailand in Phuket FM90.5 at same time, 8.30-9am each weekday

or you read or quote from our news, at http://www.thaisnews.com/show_eachnews.php?catnewsid=16

eg this story's text was:

Andaman News TV11 Phuket 8.30am Wednesday June 8th 2005 Item No. 1…

A boat capsized in the Andaman Sea due to a heavy storm and claimed 1 life.

<p>The accident occurred yesterday morning in the wake of a big storm and waves forcing a 23.8 metre long steel scuba boat, called Bubble Blue, with a team of 18 marine divers comprising volunteers and park officials who made a planned an 8 day live-abroad trip out to survey for buoy locations. They had just left Phuket on Monday night.

Later at around noon, a fishing boat, Pichai Tavorn 4, ( พิชัยถาวร ) spotted the crew floating in the water, and they were rescued, although one member was found dead due to panic. All however wore life jackets. After the Royal Thai Navy was notified, they sent out a helicopter while marine police rushed to help the survivor’s boat to come ashore at Phuket Deep Sea Port.

According to the Pichai Tavorn 4 Captain, all 18 survivors were fatigued and one woman had died. The fishing crew prepared a warm meal for them while the marine police boat escorted the fishing boat to the Phuket Deep Sea Port.

In another case, the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet was informed that another small fishing boat called ‘Nod’ capsized near Thab Lamu ( ทับละมุ ) so the helicopter rescue team went out for a search operation but without success.

--------------------

Tomorrow we hope to have a live interview with the Chief of Marine Office, Phuket, about this and other accidents and prevention measures, weather permitting!

--------------------

You can read or copy any news from previous days, by changing the date in the address line eg for yesterday 7 June put:

http://www.thaisnews.com/show_eachn...date=07-06-2005

Yesterday we also had, for the first time, mini-videos from the program available for download - about 2 heartwarming stories:

'Exclusive interview with Nigel Willgrass and John Pemberton who have raised a lot of money for their Thai helpers and a new special education center in Phuket' at

http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=131627

& 'Special Report - Patong Child Day Care Centre to get specially designed building' at

http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=131507

or

click on 'English' or www.thaisnews.com/show_eachnews.php?catnewsid=12 for more stories from Bangkok.

If you do quote us elsewhere please credit www.thaisnews.com or TV Channel 11 Phuket.

Thanks!

[george]

Sunken boat beyond salvage

PHUKET: -- It is almost impossible to salvage a sunken ship submerged 80-metres deep in the sea because of strong currents, according to rescue workers.

The vessel, the “Bubble Blue” sailed on Tuesday with 18 passengers on board despite weather forecasts warning of rough seas and stormy weather.

The vessel sank near Koh Paed within the Similan National Park in Pang-Nga province. A diver, Sukhontapan Viravan drowned when the boat sank.

The strong currents and volatile weather makes it virtually impossible to salvage the boat, rescue workers at the scene told TNA.

The monsoon season has started in the Andaman Sea. The Meteorology Department had issued repeated warnings to small vessels not to set sail in the high seas during the past week. The sea remains rough, with waves as high as three metres.

--TNA 2005-06-08

[RDN]

... They had just left Phuket on Monday night. ...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... the “Bubble Blue” sailed on Tuesday ...

--TNA 2005-06-08

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[dereklev]

... They had just left Phuket on Monday night. ...

... the “Bubble Blue” sailed on Tuesday ...

--TNA 2005-06-08

I noticed that too......

Very sad loss of life.

My wife and I have a tourist boat (also 20 meters) based in Koh Chang.

Our captain will not sail if he considers the weather is too dangerous.

It is his decision and he knows that it is also his responsibility.

Sure sometimes we may lose a day trip.....

but better that than to lose a life.

[RDN]

...My wife and I have a tourist boat (also 20 meters) based in Koh Chang.

Our captain will not sail if he considers the weather is too dangerous.

It is his decision and he knows that it is also his responsibility....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If only all captains were like yours. Good man . Better to lose face and not sail, than to lose a life.

[NBT TV Phuket]

A mini-video of our story on this today is available for download at

http://www.thaisnews.com/vdo/05158161341v.asf

or click on movie box at http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=131654

-----

Here are 2 more related stories from our news on Thursday morning:

Andaman News TV11 Phuket 8.30am Thursday June 9th 2005

The Southern Meteorological Centre warns of bad weather, while the Royal Thai Navy stands by for any emergencies.

<p>Following Tuesday's boat accident resulting in one fatal case due to storms and strong waves, the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet stationed at Cape Panwa in Phuket has been announcing daily the weather condition to all ships and boats in the Andaman. According to Rear Admiral Amornchote Sujirat ( อมรโชติ สุจิรัตน์ ), Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet, the delay in the rescue operation for the sunk 'Bubble Blue' boat on Tuesday was due to it being a quick accident while the communication equipment was down. The Navy was notified of the accident two hours after it happened. He however stressed that patrol boats are always standing by at 3 locations in the Andaman Sea. They are ready to rush to a scene whenever an accident is reported.

Meanwhile the Meteorological Office advises people to check weather forecasts closely before making any journey out to sea.

-----

Andaman News TV11 Phuket 8.30am Thursday June 9th 2005

The Deputy Director General of Marine Transport visited Phuket and discussed with related agencies to enhance efficiency in sea rescue operations.

<p> After Tuesday's boat accident in the Andaman sea the Deputy Director General of the Marine Transport Department Police Captain Khachorn Tesmala ( ขจร เทศมาลา ) visited Rasada Port in Phuket. He reaffirmed that Rasada Port runs good safety standards and is well equipped with life jackets.

Police Captain Khachorn Tesmala also revealed that during the visit, he had discussed with the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet in Phuket about cooperation and communications for more efficient joint operation in the wake of any emergencies which all parties agreed. The Deputy Director General of the Marine Transport Department also said in an attempt to provide prompt responses to emergencies, the Marine Police have requested to have their patrol boats stationed at the Rasada Port, to which his department agreed. They are now awaiting a budget to build a dock there.

------

and we have lined up a live interview on Thursday morning with the Chief of the Marine Transport Office in Phuket about Tuesday’ unfortunate boat sinking and fatality, and measures to prevent more water accidents.

[jrincon17]

Another sad story of lives lost at sea.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes, the third fatal boating accident of 2005...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thats the 4th accident in about 2 months.

[Scott]

It's always sad and usually unnecessary.

[jomama]

From Cyber Diving Network News:

PHUKET, Thailand (8 June 2005) -- Government officials in Thailand have warned tourists and dive boat operators to stop all scuba diving activities in the Andaman Sea until November.

The official government warning comes in the aftermath of a dive boat sinking that killed one dive tourist and endangered 18 others who were forced to float in extremely rough seas some 20 nautical miles off Phuket until a fishing boat rescued them. The Bubble Blue dive boat was carrying dive tourists from Phuket to the Similan Islands.

"Normally tourists and small trawlers should avoid all marine activities during the rainy season, including diving, cruising and fishing, as there are high waves, strong wind, and even storms in the sea", said Jaranthada Karnasuta, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Fisheries.

"All marine activities should particularly be avoided in the Andaman Sea", he added.

Officials advised dive centers and other business involved in marine sports to resume operations in November after the monsoon season "when the sea is safe".

[ozzydom]

...My wife and I have a tourist boat (also 20 meters) based in Koh Chang.

Our captain will not sail if he considers the weather is too dangerous.

It is his decision and he knows that it is also his responsibility....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If only all captains were like yours. Good man . Better to lose face and not sail, than to lose a life.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As one with a lifetime interest in all things nautical, I have noticed that many vessels large and small all around LoS do not even carry rudimentary safety and navigation equipment. A well founded ,equipped and sailed vessel can survive in any but the extremes of conditions , overloading appears to have been apparent in most incidents, but not with this one as it only had 18 pax ,a maritime enquiry will probably find what went wrong in this unfortunate incident

The captain of a vessel carries the responsibility for his ship and pax so commendations to dereklev,s skipper for his attitude in putting safety before cash, methinks a rare attribute in LoS.

Ozzydom..retired Ships Master

[penzman]

While I don't condone taking a boat out in bad conditions -- lets not forget that post Tsunami many businesses including dive busineses are struggling to survive. This time at least being greedy is probabley not the motivation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And occasionally the same goes for some of their customers. Why risk peoples lives?

[FarangYaayYaaw]

Here is a letter the divemaster sent to some people.

From Chris Cruz, divemaster for Bubble Blue Scuba, Khao Lak, Thailand.

-------

Dear Friends,

On principle, I don't really send out group emails but you'll have to excuse me for now, as there's just too many of you... I'll answer personally when you respond of course. Would be happy to hear your voices though... How many angels are watching me??? I just don't know.. Here is yet another chapter of my survival....

Horror in the Andaman Sea

June 6… 9:00 PM…

It was a moonless night, the stars were scattered, glittering & twinkling all over the western skies. The MV Bubble Blue, a 6 months old 24 meters x 5.5 meters steel hulled live aboard diving boat was going to the Similan Islands, one of the well known diving destinations in the west coast of Thailand facing the Andaman Sea, tributary to the Indian Ocean. Our dive shop, Bubble Blue Scuba got the contract from a gov’t agency, the Thai Marine National Parks, to survey the area & search for possible spots to set up mooring buoys, to help protect the underwater diving environment from further destruction from the many vessels that ply the area. This, in the aftermath of the recent Tsunami disaster. There were 2 girls in our team, 2 boat boys, a boat captain, and an officer from the National Park. We were 18 in all. 17 Thai nationals, I was the only farang (foreigner), a Filipino. Except for the crew & the Park officer, we were a mix of diving professionals & experienced divers. !

Only 1

girl did not know how to swim. 10 PM… The boat departs, expecting to reach its’ destination in 6 hours time. Kai, the girl who did not know how to swim decided to wear a life vest, she was smiling nervously towards me. She joined the trip invited by Nuuk, the other female in our group of divers. I came over & gently tapped Kai’s shoulder & kindly told her not to worry as nothing untoward would come upon us. In a few hours I would be proven wrong.

June 7… 1:00 AM…

In my room, I had been reading a book entitled ‘The Holographic Universe,’ for a few hours when I started feeling a bit sleepy, the book occasionally falling on my face. I decided to rest. I checked the blister on top of my left foot. I spilled hot cooking oil on it 15 hours ago. I am going to have to be very careful not to puncture the sensitive skin that is holding the water formation the size of a 10 Baht coin. I took a motion sickness tablet just to make sure that I would doze off. I don’t have a problem with motion sickness, but the engine was always too noisy for me... I was tossing around in bed. I have to get proper sleep for the morning’s first dive… I must have fallen asleep… 2:30 AM… A stern commanding voice calling my name jolted my eyes open. It sounded like the voice of my father. It can’t be, I convinced myself. He passed away last year in October. I must have been dreaming. I cleared my eyes & looked out of the window. It was raining hard, 2 meter waves & 10 !

kph winds

were making the boat sway to a dance. The captain who had 25 years experience in these waters must be having a good time, proud to practice his nautical skills, weaving his way around. Reading the wind & navigating the waves towards safe passage. Nevertheless, the voice inside me told me to remain alert. It really sounded like the voice of my father. Strange!!! I must be hallucinating!!! But it can’t be, I decided to stop taking narcotic drugs ages ago. I drifted to sleep once more. The time was 3:00 AM…

7:00 AM…

The boat stopped. The captain decided to anchor, engaging the trip leader to the fact that it was the best option. Raging storm!!! Punishing winds going 15 to 20 kph & 4 to 6 meter waves assaulting starboard side every few minutes welcomed me to a rude awakening!!! Rain was pelting needlelike on one’s skin. One by one the other guest woke up nervously as they heard the slamming of the unforgiving waves. The divers mostly agreed that they have never been caught in a situation like this. 8:00 AM… The assault of the waves did not stop, though the boat was holding steady. For how long, who knows??? Captain knows best. The thing to do was face the waves & navigate slowly back to shore. We decided to move, but the engine did not have enough power to turn. It’s now nature against machine!!! We felt like a lame duck!!! Captain decides to turn off the engine. I saw Kai put on a life vest, I told her that if something happens she should stick close to me. 8:45 AM… The divers gathered !

on the

steps leading to the dive platform. Looking port side aft to stern the boat continues to tilt 20 degrees every time a wave slams on to starboard. I wonder how long she could take it now. She must be taking between 15 to 20 waves per hour now. I went down the engine room & saw that the water coming thru the air vent, middle deck, to aft was more than what the water pump could displace. There is something wrong!!!

9:00 AM…

The port side has now tilted to the water by as much as 30 degrees. A wave comes, a BCD attached to a tank jumps out of its’ holder down to the platform. I bolted aft to stern trying to catch the BCD. I was too late. I was hesitant as the jolting waves might throw me into the water. Coming back & walking thru the tank holders ever so carefully, I decided to disconnect all BCDS from their tanks & handed them one by one to the divers. I told them we would need it soon. They all looked puzzled in disbelief!!! If they don’t move, now, this vessel was going to be their coffin. I thought, Focus Christopher, I was convincing myself. Take lead!!! I went back to the rig up deck & put on my wet suit & BCD, inflating it. I decided to put on my booties to protect the blisters on my burned foot from sharks. No one was putting on their BCDS… In a gentle yet commanding voice, I pleaded them to put on their BCDS for their own safety… They did so & realized that we were now in danger… I ran!

to my

room & grab my belt bag containing my passport & other personal papers. I put on my dive computer, silver rings & the Maori pendant that my Kiwi girlfriend gave me. Oh god, will I live to see here again??? Adrenaline running high, someone shouted from the top deck for us come up to safety on the starboard side forward to bow. It was the captain. He said it was the safest place to be. But the waves were still ramming starboard side unforgiving!!! She must have withstood more than 40 banging waves by now…

9:30 AM…

Someone handed me a knife to cut off the ropes holding the tarpaulin roof. It was acting as a wind drag that caused the boat to tilt more. I did the chore dutifully scared, grinning at our fate. Why has it all come to these??? Rain, wind & waves would not stop!!! A sudden jerk & jolt tilted the boat further. Port side aft to stern was now almost completely submerged. She just can’t take this punishment anymore!!! We were all hanging on for dear life now. All along the railings, starboard forward to bow was the only place safe. Chaos!!!! Nuuk was holding on to Kai, who was in panic, screaming for help, legs hanging in mid air, hands holding on vertically by the roof railing. She could not make it to starboard!!! If she let go, she would fall down into the water & falling objects might hit her??? No one can help her now. I was moving slowly starboard aft to stern when another jolt threw me out of the railing I was hanging on to. All too suddenly I was in the water. I felt a t!

weak in

my left shoulder joint & realized it got dislocated. A blur & a haze now… I got pulled by the sucking motion of the boat as it sunk some more. My body rammed against the railing. God, no broken bones please!!! Concentrating on setting my left shoulder back into place, with my right hand, I pulled & lifted it from under the arm, another painful tweak, my shoulder was back in place. Whew!!! One by one & all together now the others fell into the water. We all concentrated on being together. My shoulder was back in place but it was throbbing painfully.

10 AM…

Gothic gloom enveloped us... The elements forced us into submission!!! I looked at my watch as I last saw the MV Bubble Blue, top view, forward to bow was the only visible part as she finally succumbed down… She must have taken the beating of between 45 to 60 waves in 3 hours… The last reading on the depth finder was 80 meters… Panic once more, Kai was screaming for help!!! Someone was shouting for me to help her. Why me??? I have a bad shoulder, I was talking to myself. The booties that I put on just the same were giving me awkward motion. I can’t swim properly. Sorry, won’t remove it & expose my burn… Everyone seem to be focused on helping themselves… Kai passed out as I got hold of her. For what is moral & right!!! I’ve got to help her… My shoulder in pain, I gave her 2 breaths, 5 counts, 2 breaths, 5 counts… She came back to life but was in panic again pushing me down… Someone found the capsized dinghy & turned it upright… With all my painful might I pushed Kai towards t!

he dinghy

boat & someone pulled her inside… Oranges & watermelon were floating… Food!!! I told everyone that we had to share, as it would probably be the only nutrition we would have for a while. There is the true danger of dehydration as well. We had to conserve our energy. Rain, wind & waves still torturing us… Kai was loosing consciousness & quickly going into shock, Nuuk jumped on the dinghy & started giving her rescue breaths once more… I jumped on & proceeded to give her chest compressions… We did this for more than 15 minutes… Froth & blood were already coming out of Kai’s orifices… Eyes staring into the heavens, she was gone… Rain, wind & the waves finally eased down a bit… It was 10:30 AM… Kai told me before the trip that it was her first time to be on a live aboard boat. Little did I know that it was going to be her last.

Chris

We were floating for almost 3 hours before a Thai fishing boat with a Burmese crew came to pick us up. I guess we were lucky!!! Otherwise, 17 of us left believed that some more among us would have died, if no boat passed by. I got sent to Vachira hospital in Phuket where my dislocated shoulder was attended to. The doctor placed my left arm on a sling. I am to use it for 3 weeks. 3 people suffered from minor cuts & bruises. 1 boat boy was suspected of secondary drowning. This proved untrue. On the other hand, Kai died of secondary drowning attributed to panic & shock. On the 2nd night after the accident, I had visions of Kai in my head all night. It’s as if I could feel her very death. I couldn’t sleep & kept on puking the whole night. In the morning, Nuuk consoled me in a most Buddhist fashion, "Chris, don’t worry, Kai is happy now. You acted like a true friend & gave her CPR even when no one knew that your shoulder was hurting."

[otherstuff1957]

I have a fair amount of experience with taking both power and sailboats offshore in rough conditions. There are a couple of things in this email that sound a bit off - first 4 to 6 meter waves in 15 to 20 kph winds.- 20 kph winds are only about 10 knots. 10 knot winds usually result in white-caps and 1 meter waves, not 4 meter waves! However, if English isn't his first language, maybe he meant 20 knots instead of 20 kph.

When waves move from deep water into shallow water they usually become much higher - so it is possible that 2 meter waves built up to 3 - 4 meter waves near the islands. Under those conditions the Captain's initial decision to head slowly into the wind would be the best thing to do. When that proved to be impossible, he should have turned and run before the wind and tried to find more sheltered waters behind the islands. If they were stuck on a lee shore and couldn't run before the wind, he should have put out an anchor and used the engine and the anchor to hold is position as long a possible. Turning off the engine is the LAST thing he should have done! If the engine failed, he should have tried to rig a sea anchor - that "roof tarp" that they cut free would have done nicely.

Having said all of that, I still wouldn't condemn the Captain until I heard all of the facts. The sea is harsh and unforgiving and I know that I have been lucky as well as cautious and well prepared in my years at sea.