Speedboats collision on Koh Samui, Thailand

[LomSak27]

My Friend Same, on 2010-06-27 17:09, said:

Does anyone know why people go to these full moon drug parties? Is this like some kind of a rock concert or something? I never quite understood. Maybe you could equate this to the stampede at the Who concert in Cincy in 1979. Or maybe that stampede made more sense. What goes on at these moon parties anyway? and what kind of drugs are involved? We've all read about the rapes and murders that happened during them. What is the attraction?

Good deflection post! Nothing at all to do with the boat accident but hey, why bother? The fact that one of the oats is the same one involved in a previous loss of life accident, running at high speeds without lights - Yeeesh what a disaster. Nuuf said - lets talk about drugs and stampedes at drug parties and not the criminal boat owners and Goverment workers who allowed this boat to operate

Keep up the good work My Friend

[animatic]

How can so many people be in just two speed boats???????

Ok, just because they are faster doesn't mean they are small.

These are typically quite long stiletto shaped craft , with narrow

but capacious seating areas. So they are quite fast compared to

Seatran's behemoths, but not really small like a waterskiing boat.

Sure they are some short boats for 10-16 people, plying this route.

Under most conditions with competent pilots these would be more than

adequate for the typical conditions of this route, if driven prudently.

Of course prudence while driving anything is not a wide spread trait here....

Pethcerat does have a much better than typical reputation here.

But the problem is they are not the only ones doing this run.

The run to Had Rin has a natural choke point for traffic, as

most boats converge to just east of the island as they start

curving in towards the beach. So while in open bay it is pretty

easy to stay apart, approaching Phagnan naturally narrows the

lines of traffic. Still properly lit boats would make this a reasonable

maneuver, but one boat with no lights and it becomes madness.

[dumball]

Not being a mariner , I have a question , the post on how good his company was stated "It is the rule to pass on the right , the damage was on the left side of the boat " Passing an oncoming boat to your right , would put the damage on the LEFT side of both boats , do they not use 'Port''Starboard' any more at sea ? Just curious !!!!!!!!1

[katyb]

following remarks we have got from friends we have decided to answer this thread.

Pethcerat Marina is the largest speed boat on samui. the captains of this company go through a very intensive training program and are very experienced.

the Pethcerat Company works closely with the marine police in Samui on regular basis because we regard safety as a first priority and specially on full moon nights when each boat is examined for load and inspected by the marine police. and any one who has been on our pier can vouch for that FACT!!!

the boats are not allowed to depart before they are examined for safety and that all passengers are wearing life jackets.. we do so because we believe that it the only way to assure the passengers safety. each captain has a qualified captain license the boat registration and the boat insurance papers. every boat that has any mechanical problem is rejected and not allowed to travel. the Suggestion that the captains are a group of hooligans with no experience running on yaba or alcohol is nothing short of defamation and just plain lie!!! the incident of last night is a terrible incident where a boat from sea breeze traveling with no license, no insurance and passengers with no life jackets collided with the petcherat Boat. At the time of the incident the water was not stormy and visibility was good as it was a full moon . The storm that prevented boats traveling before was clear .. and the captain along with marine police has determined that he can run the boat safely.. however Petcherat Captain could not see the sea breeze boat as it was running with out lights. The Pethcerat boat has suffered the impact on the left hand side providing further evidence that the sea breeze captain did not give right of way or pass to the right under marine laws. When the incident was reported. Petcherat other boats that were parked in koh phangan as well marine police boats along with private boat owners in petcherat Marina were first on the scene rescuing the injured and scouting the water to make sure that all those involved were rescued. the petcherat Marina team advised the emergency services and samui rescue to come to marina and assist in transporting the injured to hospitals. all the hospitals were notified and prepared for the arrival on the injured.. and this was done in less then an hour from the moment of impact. the Samui chief of marine police and harbor department was on the petcherat boat and was injured and witnessed and reported the facts as above.

Pethcerat Team have been to the hospital to visit the injured and offered any help they can to assist and support those injured in the time of need.. the Captain in the incident has been interviewed and questioned both by the police and the marine police as well as the other captain of the sea breeze boat. they did not run away they did not disappear!!!!! the gave full account of what happened to the authorities.

Pethcerat Company is not "mafia " or influential owned. as may other speed boat companies in samui.. it is owned and operated by hard working people who have invested many years in making this company the leading company in samui. Pethcerat Marina regrets that this terrible incident has happened and is doing everything with the authorities to learn and advise so as it will not happen again.

Petcherat Marina is sorry that this incident has, while happened and addressed properly, was the target of some members on this forum who while using anonymity cast a shadow on the speed boat companies that are operating in professional way. and regrets to see some of the postings on this board that were made by those who have no idea of the facts.

Since this board is very popular an important source of information to members and non members it is also expected that there will be some responsibility for posts and not speculative flaming remarks specially when this terrible incident has such public impact. we truly regret that some members on this forum have decided to use this terrible incident to defame and make baseless accusations.

We invir those of you who are truely interested in this matter to come to the marina and get first hand explanations and details.

so as your a re properly registered company i take it that all your passengers are inssurred and are not looking at big hopital bills. if so. i think you should make a statement to the paper to clear your company name.

if this is the case then it shows that your company is a well established company and ok in the short term u might lose a few baht but from a business point of view. The publicity will probably pay itself off. If you cover your passengers hosp. bills then i would be happy to use your company. if not then i know that if i am sitting on a boat and a crash happens that is not my fault then no matter how sorry or how well registered the company is. faniccially i am screwed. all the best

yes we do have passengers insurance and yes the insurance company has taken care of every person that was on our boat. and yes we are working closely with the insurance company to make sure that all the people on our boat are addressed...

Two good and informative posts from you. Thank you.

After reading them, I looked at your website. Whilst it shows exactly what you do, it doesn't give any information about who you are, your company and most importantly your ethics regarding safety inspections, relevant licences and insurance. Obviously these are great and important credentials and you should be boasting about them on your website in order to put you a cut above the other operators who might not be quite so scrupulous. Shout it out loud!!!!! Clearly you will be a little busy to think about this now, but maybe for future..........

I am impressed with your responsible reaction to this awful accident. Very well done!

Can anybody actually confirm for definite that this was the same boat (not the Pethcerat boat I realise) as 7 years ago, or is this just more heresay from the Samui rumour mill?

[starcandle]

following remarks we have got from friends we have decided to answer this thread.

Pethcerat Marina is the largest speed boat on samui. the captains of this company go through a very intensive training program and are very experienced.

the Pethcerat Company works closely with the marine police in Samui on regular basis because we regard safety as a first priority and specially on full moon nights when each boat is examined for load and inspected by the marine police. and any one who has been on our pier can vouch for that FACT!!!

the boats are not allowed to depart before they are examined for safety and that all passengers are wearing life jackets.. we do so because we believe that it the only way to assure the passengers safety. each captain has a qualified captain license the boat registration and the boat insurance papers. every boat that has any mechanical problem is rejected and not allowed to travel. the Suggestion that the captains are a group of hooligans with no experience running on yaba or alcohol is nothing short of defamation and just plain lie!!! the incident of last night is a terrible incident where a boat from sea breeze traveling with no license, no insurance and passengers with no life jackets collided with the petcherat Boat. At the time of the incident the water was not stormy and visibility was good as it was a full moon . The storm that prevented boats traveling before was clear .. and the captain along with marine police has determined that he can run the boat safely.. however Petcherat Captain could not see the sea breeze boat as it was running with out lights. The Pethcerat boat has suffered the impact on the left hand side providing further evidence that the sea breeze captain did not give right of way or pass to the right under marine laws. When the incident was reported. Petcherat other boats that were parked in koh phangan as well marine police boats along with private boat owners in petcherat Marina were first on the scene rescuing the injured and scouting the water to make sure that all those involved were rescued. the petcherat Marina team advised the emergency services and samui rescue to come to marina and assist in transporting the injured to hospitals. all the hospitals were notified and prepared for the arrival on the injured.. and this was done in less then an hour from the moment of impact. the Samui chief of marine police and harbor department was on the petcherat boat and was injured and witnessed and reported the facts as above.

Pethcerat Team have been to the hospital to visit the injured and offered any help they can to assist and support those injured in the time of need.. the Captain in the incident has been interviewed and questioned both by the police and the marine police as well as the other captain of the sea breeze boat. they did not run away they did not disappear!!!!! the gave full account of what happened to the authorities.

Pethcerat Company is not "mafia " or influential owned. as may other speed boat companies in samui.. it is owned and operated by hard working people who have invested many years in making this company the leading company in samui. Pethcerat Marina regrets that this terrible incident has happened and is doing everything with the authorities to learn and advise so as it will not happen again.

Petcherat Marina is sorry that this incident has, while happened and addressed properly, was the target of some members on this forum who while using anonymity cast a shadow on the speed boat companies that are operating in professional way. and regrets to see some of the postings on this board that were made by those who have no idea of the facts.

Since this board is very popular an important source of information to members and non members it is also expected that there will be some responsibility for posts and not speculative flaming remarks specially when this terrible incident has such public impact. we truly regret that some members on this forum have decided to use this terrible incident to defame and make baseless accusations.

We invir those of you who are truely interested in this matter to come to the marina and get first hand explanations and details.

Well said, there's to many stupid herberts quick to spread slander with no genuine knowledge,

I use petcherat marina regularly and will be happy to continue to do so, you only have to look at their pier in comparison to others to see a well run business

if some of the people had read petcherats statement properly, then half of these dimwits would not have had any post to place.

Petcherat is a well run business, keep up the good work and good luck in the future.

[animatic]

Not being a mariner , I have a question , the post on how good his company was stated "It is the rule to pass on the right , the damage was on the left side of the boat " Passing an oncoming boat to your right , would put the damage on the LEFT side of both boats , do they not use 'Port''Starboard' any more at sea ? Just curious !!!!!!!!1

I believe he meant leave any boat you pass to your right.

[dumball]

Thank you Animatic for your information , it clarifies things for me , if one does not ask 'Why', one learns nothing .

[lujanit]

Breaking News The Australian

There is a report in the Australian this morning that one of the boats involved was banned from operating and that there was another accident involving a vehicle pileup involving one of the ambulances on the way to hospital. Has any of this been previously reported?

"Dr. Arthit Kukreja from Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, who traveled to Australia with the three women, said Hensby was expected to make a full recovery and expected her to be able to fly home in 10 to 15 days.

"She is a very very brave girl, that one," Kukreja said, adding that he was "frustrated and indignant" the boat operators breached the ban."

[Boater]

Thai boat crash survivor: ''I've got God on my side'

A SYDNEY woman injured in an horrific boat crash in Thailand survived another accident in an ambulance on her way to Bangkok Airport. The Manly Daily reports Chloe Bucknell, 20, was being taken from her hospital bed to Bangkok airport when the ambulance she was travelling in was involved in a collision with two other cars.

“I thought, first the boat crash, now the ambulance crash - what’s next?” Ms Bucknell said yesterday.

“But then I thought, ‘Well, I’ve survived everything so far and I’ve got God on my side’.”

Ms Bucknell and friends Vanessa Kenny, 19, Katie Pritchard, 18, Natalie Hensby, 19, were in a boat which collided head-on with another boat while returning from a full-moon party on the island of Koh Phangan to the island of Koh Samui at night on June 26.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/thai-boat-crash-survivor-ive-got-god-on-my-side/story-e6freuy9-1225888375335

[H2oDunc]

As someone who has owned several boats and who also spends a lot of time in speedboats I know there are a lot of companies for who safety is a second concern. I have never had any problem or complaint from any customer I have put on Petcherat boats. On full moon night they have strict safety rules regarding life jackets and staying seated during the trip. Not all boats do this. I always advise people to go on the Seatran or Lomprayah and come back the next day on the same vessel or if they have to use Petcherat. Lets hope that lessons are learned from this and they all start to take safety as important as Petcherat does.

[TAWP]

“I thought, first the boat crash, now the ambulance crash - what’s next?” Ms Bucknell said yesterday.

“But then I thought, ‘Well, I’ve survived everything so far and I’ve got God on my side’.”

No-matter how bad things you put a person through, they will always still keep their faith?

Amazing really...if two accidents was him watching over her, how did she expect her life to be without him? 5 accidents in the day?

[animatic]

There is a rumor going around that the 'driver' of the other boat, not Petcharat, was shot a few days later...

Ostensibly by 'elements' connected to other 'sub-rosa operators', , again not Petcharat,

displeased with having a government spot light shown on the speed boat businesses here

and their having to shut down for a spell because the heat has been turned up.

Haven't seen the local English 2 weeks to press rag to see if this is so.

But that's the word on the street. Rumor so far, but not illogical either.

Anyone know more?

Edited July 6, 2010 by animatic

[frankman]

thin ice...

[animatic]

thin ice...

Frank this is asking for clarification of a rumor, not spreading a rumor.

[lazygourmet]

There is a rumor going around that the 'driver' of the other boat, not Petcharat, was shot a few days later...

Ostensibly by 'elements' connected to other 'sub-rosa operators', , again not Petcharat,

displeased with having a government spot light shown on the speed boat businesses here

and their having to shut down for a spell because the heat has been turned up.

Haven't seen the local English 2 weeks to press rag to see if this is so.

But that's the word on the street. Rumor so far, but not illogical either.

Anyone know more?

I've heard about this but didn't want to post anything regarding this matter.

I PM you on fb

[brent]

News: The Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 is owned by Sea Beach Tour and Transport Co. Preecha Chorsuwannachart, a passenger on board the Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5, said the boat traveled at high speed and did not have its signal lights switched on. Police said the license for the Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 has expired and not been renewed and it also has no insurance documents. The Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 capsized on Jan 25, 2005, while taking tourists from a full-moon party on Koh Phangan. Fifteen passengers drowned in the accident. Police said the boat sank because it was overloaded.

I hope the seriously injured people heal well and have a speedy recovery, and to all those involved in the collision I hope you all get back on that horse and enjoy life to the full

I find this incident disturbing yet as many others feel it's not suprising TIT. I hope the victims and their families, don't just allow allow justice to run it's course in Thailand. If they feel upset about what has happened then they should pursue justice, and push the police to prosecute those who are liable under Thai law. If not, it is most probable that nothing will happen of this, brushed under the carpet, no justice for the victims, and more people will become victims of this type of negligence in the future. Unless the victims and their families pursue justice, or at least damand changes in regulations nothing will change, and irresponsible operators will not learn from their operational mistakes that contribute in causing the death and permanent injury to people that were once their paying customers

[longtom]

News: The Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 is owned by Sea Beach Tour and Transport Co. Preecha Chorsuwannachart, a passenger on board the Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5, said the boat traveled at high speed and did not have its signal lights switched on. Police said the license for the Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 has expired and not been renewed and it also has no insurance documents. The Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 capsized on Jan 25, 2005, while taking tourists from a full-moon party on Koh Phangan. Fifteen passengers drowned in the accident. Police said the boat sank because it was overloaded.

I hope the seriously injured people heal well and have a speedy recovery, and to all those involved in the collision I hope you all get back on that horse and enjoy life to the full

I find this incident disturbing yet as many others feel it's not suprising TIT. I hope the victims and their families, don't just allow allow justice to run it's course in Thailand. If they feel upset about what has happened then they should pursue justice, and push the police to prosecute those who are liable under Thai law. If not, it is most probable that nothing will happen of this, brushed under the carpet, no justice for the victims, and more people will become victims of this type of negligence in the future. Unless the victims and their families pursue justice, or at least damand changes in regulations nothing will change, and irresponsible operators will not learn from their operational mistakes that contribute in causing the death and permanent injury to people that were once their paying customers

Welcome to Thailand .

Sorry, couldn't help it. Just wondering how you'd go about to pursue justice in such a case. You can see the impact of the 15 dead bodies last time, same people and boat still in business. OK, at least they make people wear life-vests now, that's already a huge step forward.

Doesn't mean we don't find the accident disturbing. But Thailand is definitely not the hub of accident prevention or prosecution.

[sandyfromoz]

I have heard from two sources about the accident. Both details are the same, but I didn't hold much belief in the first report, but the second is from a very reliable source.

As of Sunday-4 July-16-17 dead. 6 in coma 3 missing.

All the dead were taken to Ko Pangan-the injured to Samui.

One boat had no lights on

one boat operator had been told as early as that morning, not to go to sea.

The local paper will NOT be published for the next month, in an effort to stop the story getting out.-Due out today-we will see.

Just terrible,but nothing will be done to improve things, if no-one knows!

Oh-and NO insurance,because both boats WERE overloaded, and one was told not to operate!!

Edited July 8, 2010 by sandyfromoz

[angiud]

As of Sunday-4 July-16-17 dead. 6 in coma 3 missing.

I don't think your sources are so reliable.

Why do you want to spread fake news??

Edited July 8, 2010 by angiud

[sbk]

Indeed, unless you have a published source for this information spreading unsubstantiated and potentially defamatory rumors is frowned upon.

[sandyfromoz]

As of Sunday-4 July-16-17 dead. 6 in coma 3 missing.

I don't think your sources are so reliable.

Why do you want to spread fake news??

just relaying what I have been told-firstly, by one of the people tossed into the sea-who actually saw dead people floating in the water, in the rescue boat torch/spotlights.

And, the second report came from a policeman.my neighbour, who attended the scene, and spent 2 days netting the water,searching for the missing.

[Rooo]

As of Sunday-4 July-16-17 dead. 6 in coma 3 missing.

I don't think your sources are so reliable.

Why do you want to spread fake news??

just relaying what I have been told-firstly, by one of the people tossed into the sea-who actually saw dead people floating in the water, in the rescue boat torch/spotlights.

And, the second report came from a policeman.my neighbour, who attended the scene, and spent 2 days netting the water,searching for the missing.

Your accusations or reporting is unfounded. Stop for a moment & think before you post, don't you think all the relevant embassies / consulates would have communicated any such injuries or losses affecting their nationals?

Please also read the Pracheat Marina statement, they are fully insured & looked after all their passengers.

We really don't need some rumour mongering on Thaivisa.

. Not being in the newspaper WRONG again, Xpress is not the only paper, they don't have the exclusive on the story.

[animatic]

The only way this could possibly be so is if all the dead are ONLY poor Thais.

And this seems an unlikely large set of coincidence.

I suspect some of these large numbers are being confused in conversation

from the 5 year old accident involving the same boat.

Remember Thai conversation is not really strong with past present future tenses.

[AdamZuberi]

following remarks we have got from friends we have decided to answer this thread.

Pethcerat Marina is the largest speed boat on samui. the captains of this company go through a very intensive training program and are very experienced.

the Pethcerat Company works closely with the marine police in Samui on regular basis because we regard safety as a first priority and specially on full moon nights when each boat is examined for load and inspected by the marine police. and any one who has been on our pier can vouch for that FACT!!!

the boats are not allowed to depart before they are examined for safety and that all passengers are wearing life jackets.. we do so because we believe that it the only way to assure the passengers safety. each captain has a qualified captain license the boat registration and the boat insurance papers. every boat that has any mechanical problem is rejected and not allowed to travel. the Suggestion that the captains are a group of hooligans with no experience running on yaba or alcohol is nothing short of defamation and just plain lie!!! the incident of last night is a terrible incident where a boat from sea breeze traveling with no license, no insurance and passengers with no life jackets collided with the petcherat Boat. At the time of the incident the water was not stormy and visibility was good as it was a full moon . The storm that prevented boats traveling before was clear .. and the captain along with marine police has determined that he can run the boat safely.. however Petcherat Captain could not see the sea breeze boat as it was running with out lights. The Pethcerat boat has suffered the impact on the left hand side providing further evidence that the sea breeze captain did not give right of way or pass to the right under marine laws. When the incident was reported. Petcherat other boats that were parked in koh phangan as well marine police boats along with private boat owners in petcherat Marina were first on the scene rescuing the injured and scouting the water to make sure that all those involved were rescued. the petcherat Marina team advised the emergency services and samui rescue to come to marina and assist in transporting the injured to hospitals. all the hospitals were notified and prepared for the arrival on the injured.. and this was done in less then an hour from the moment of impact. the Samui chief of marine police and harbor department was on the petcherat boat and was injured and witnessed and reported the facts as above.

Pethcerat Team have been to the hospital to visit the injured and offered any help they can to assist and support those injured in the time of need.. the Captain in the incident has been interviewed and questioned both by the police and the marine police as well as the other captain of the sea breeze boat. they did not run away they did not disappear!!!!! the gave full account of what happened to the authorities.

Pethcerat Company is not "mafia " or influential owned. as may other speed boat companies in samui.. it is owned and operated by hard working people who have invested many years in making this company the leading company in samui. Pethcerat Marina regrets that this terrible incident has happened and is doing everything with the authorities to learn and advise so as it will not happen again.

Petcherat Marina is sorry that this incident has, while happened and addressed properly, was the target of some members on this forum who while using anonymity cast a shadow on the speed boat companies that are operating in professional way. and regrets to see some of the postings on this board that were made by those who have no idea of the facts.

Since this board is very popular an important source of information to members and non members it is also expected that there will be some responsibility for posts and not speculative flaming remarks specially when this terrible incident has such public impact. we truly regret that some members on this forum have decided to use this terrible incident to defame and make baseless accusations.

We invir those of you who are truely interested in this matter to come to the marina and get first hand explanations and details.

I was on the Pha-Ngan to Samui boat, here is my witness statement

It had been raining Thailand style, anyone who has been to Thailand knows what I mean but as we set off it had stopped and the sea was fairly calm.

I was the last to board the boat, so sat down at the front in the kind of V that the front of a speed boat has with these 2 girls and got chatting with them, I remember noticing that the guys sitting across from me were tourist police but didn't think much of it at the time. The sides were quite high so we couldn't see out.

We'd been going for about 10 mins, one of the crew was standing in the middle between where I was sitting and where the tourist police were sitting, as he was standing he could see out and then suddenly started shouting and waving a little hand held torch.

About 3 seconds latter there was a huge bang, the next thing I know is that I'm falling backwards in to the sea, I took a deep breath and swam out through the hole and was now effectively out to sea, but next to the boat.

I wasn't afraid or feared drowning or anything, I just knew I needed to get back on the boat. To be honest I don't think I was thinking, more just reacting if that makes any sense?

Something was tugging at my leg, not enough to pull me under but more like trying to get my attention, so I reached down and came up with bits of debris, I tried a few more times and found more debris so started to swim to the back of the boat but as I did I realized that I now had 2 girls without life jackets clinging to me, so all I could do was kick through the debris to get to the back of the boat.

I do clearly remember shouting at this guy who was still on board to put the boarding ladder down so we could all climb back on board but he just stood there, I called a few more times to him but he didn't do anything, I think he was one of the crew, not sure, so I swam across to the other side of the outboard motors where a guy on board and I got the 2 girls out the water.

There was a girl calling to me from a few meters away, I'm not sure if I went to get her or she managed to come to me but we got her on board, she had a massive head injury and part of her calf muscle missing. There was another girl about 20 or 30 meters out to sea calling for help, I shouted to someone on board to go and help her but no one went so I started to swim out and I think someone else had also gone as she seemed to be right there in only as few strokes so we got her on board, I tried to climb up myself but was too tired so some other guys climbed up and then turned round and helped me up.

We seemed to be out at sea for ages until help turned up.

As for the media reports, I never saw the other boat capsized or sink, its possible that it spun fully and it is also possible that it sank after we left on the police launch but I never saw that. I did see some smoke coming from it like it was on fire but that could have been anything, steam off the hot engines for example and I certainly didn't see flames.

Our boat had no lights on, I can not say for the other boat, out boat did not slow down, we were still full throttle at point of impact and we did not deviate course, as in our boat did not try to steer out of the way.

I have not been offered any compensation from the boat companies and had no contact with them.

[animatic]

following remarks we have got from friends we have decided to answer this thread.

Pethcerat Marina is the largest speed boat on samui. the captains of this company go through a very intensive training program and are very experienced.

the Pethcerat Company works closely with the marine police in Samui on regular basis because we regard safety as a first priority and specially on full moon nights when each boat is examined for load and inspected by the marine police. and any one who has been on our pier can vouch for that FACT!!!

the boats are not allowed to depart before they are examined for safety and that all passengers are wearing life jackets.. we do so because we believe that it the only way to assure the passengers safety. each captain has a qualified captain license the boat registration and the boat insurance papers. every boat that has any mechanical problem is rejected and not allowed to travel. the Suggestion that the captains are a group of hooligans with no experience running on yaba or alcohol is nothing short of defamation and just plain lie!!! the incident of last night is a terrible incident where a boat from sea breeze traveling with no license, no insurance and passengers with no life jackets collided with the petcherat Boat. At the time of the incident the water was not stormy and visibility was good as it was a full moon . The storm that prevented boats traveling before was clear .. and the captain along with marine police has determined that he can run the boat safely.. however Petcherat Captain could not see the sea breeze boat as it was running with out lights. The Pethcerat boat has suffered the impact on the left hand side providing further evidence that the sea breeze captain did not give right of way or pass to the right under marine laws. When the incident was reported. Petcherat other boats that were parked in koh phangan as well marine police boats along with private boat owners in petcherat Marina were first on the scene rescuing the injured and scouting the water to make sure that all those involved were rescued. the petcherat Marina team advised the emergency services and samui rescue to come to marina and assist in transporting the injured to hospitals. all the hospitals were notified and prepared for the arrival on the injured.. and this was done in less then an hour from the moment of impact. the Samui chief of marine police and harbor department was on the petcherat boat and was injured and witnessed and reported the facts as above.

Pethcerat Team have been to the hospital to visit the injured and offered any help they can to assist and support those injured in the time of need.. the Captain in the incident has been interviewed and questioned both by the police and the marine police as well as the other captain of the sea breeze boat. they did not run away they did not disappear!!!!! the gave full account of what happened to the authorities.

Pethcerat Company is not "mafia " or influential owned. as may other speed boat companies in samui.. it is owned and operated by hard working people who have invested many years in making this company the leading company in samui. Pethcerat Marina regrets that this terrible incident has happened and is doing everything with the authorities to learn and advise so as it will not happen again.

Petcherat Marina is sorry that this incident has, while happened and addressed properly, was the target of some members on this forum who while using anonymity cast a shadow on the speed boat companies that are operating in professional way. and regrets to see some of the postings on this board that were made by those who have no idea of the facts.

Since this board is very popular an important source of information to members and non members it is also expected that there will be some responsibility for posts and not speculative flaming remarks specially when this terrible incident has such public impact. we truly regret that some members on this forum have decided to use this terrible incident to defame and make baseless accusations.

We invir those of you who are truely interested in this matter to come to the marina and get first hand explanations and details.

I was on the Pha-Ngan to Samui boat, here is my witness statement

It had been raining Thailand style, anyone who has been to Thailand knows what I mean but as we set off it had stopped and the sea was fairly calm.

I was the last to board the boat, so sat down at the front in the kind of V that the front of a speed boat has with these 2 girls and got chatting with them, I remember noticing that the guys sitting across from me were tourist police but didn't think much of it at the time. The sides were quite high so we couldn't see out.

We'd been going for about 10 mins, one of the crew was standing in the middle between where I was sitting and where the tourist police were sitting, as he was standing he could see out and then suddenly started shouting and waving a little hand held torch.

About 3 seconds latter there was a huge bang, the next thing I know is that I'm falling backwards in to the sea, I took a deep breath and swam out through the hole and was now effectively out to sea, but next to the boat.

I wasn't afraid or feared drowning or anything, I just knew I needed to get back on the boat. To be honest I don't think I was thinking, more just reacting if that makes any sense?

Something was tugging at my leg, not enough to pull me under but more like trying to get my attention, so I reached down and came up with bits of debris, I tried a few more times and found more debris so started to swim to the back of the boat but as I did I realized that I now had 2 girls without life jackets clinging to me, so all I could do was kick through the debris to get to the back of the boat.

I do clearly remember shouting at this guy who was still on board to put the boarding ladder down so we could all climb back on board but he just stood there, I called a few more times to him but he didn't do anything, I think he was one of the crew, not sure, so I swam across to the other side of the outboard motors where a guy on board and I got the 2 girls out the water.

There was a girl calling to me from a few meters away, I'm not sure if I went to get her or she managed to come to me but we got her on board, she had a massive head injury and part of her calf muscle missing. There was another girl about 20 or 30 meters out to sea calling for help, I shouted to someone on board to go and help her but no one went so I started to swim out and I think someone else had also gone as she seemed to be right there in only as few strokes so we got her on board, I tried to climb up myself but was too tired so some other guys climbed up and then turned round and helped me up.

We seemed to be out at sea for ages until help turned up.

As for the media reports, I never saw the other boat capsized or sink, its possible that it spun fully and it is also possible that it sank after we left on the police launch but I never saw that. I did see some smoke coming from it like it was on fire but that could have been anything, steam off the hot engines for example and I certainly didn't see flames.

Our boat had no lights on, I can not say for the other boat, out boat did not slow down, we were still full throttle at point of impact and we did not deviate course, as in our boat did not try to steer out of the way.

I have not been offered any compensation from the boat companies and had no contact with them.

Adam thanks for you statement.

Based on your recollections you are certainly a selfless hero.

Thank you, for all those you made efforts to save.

[AdamZuberi]

following remarks we have got from friends we have decided to answer this thread.

Pethcerat Marina is the largest speed boat on samui. the captains of this company go through a very intensive training program and are very experienced.

the Pethcerat Company works closely with the marine police in Samui on regular basis because we regard safety as a first priority and specially on full moon nights when each boat is examined for load and inspected by the marine police. and any one who has been on our pier can vouch for that FACT!!!

the boats are not allowed to depart before they are examined for safety and that all passengers are wearing life jackets.. we do so because we believe that it the only way to assure the passengers safety. each captain has a qualified captain license the boat registration and the boat insurance papers. every boat that has any mechanical problem is rejected and not allowed to travel. the Suggestion that the captains are a group of hooligans with no experience running on yaba or alcohol is nothing short of defamation and just plain lie!!! the incident of last night is a terrible incident where a boat from sea breeze traveling with no license, no insurance and passengers with no life jackets collided with the petcherat Boat. At the time of the incident the water was not stormy and visibility was good as it was a full moon . The storm that prevented boats traveling before was clear .. and the captain along with marine police has determined that he can run the boat safely.. however Petcherat Captain could not see the sea breeze boat as it was running with out lights. The Pethcerat boat has suffered the impact on the left hand side providing further evidence that the sea breeze captain did not give right of way or pass to the right under marine laws. When the incident was reported. Petcherat other boats that were parked in koh phangan as well marine police boats along with private boat owners in petcherat Marina were first on the scene rescuing the injured and scouting the water to make sure that all those involved were rescued. the petcherat Marina team advised the emergency services and samui rescue to come to marina and assist in transporting the injured to hospitals. all the hospitals were notified and prepared for the arrival on the injured.. and this was done in less then an hour from the moment of impact. the Samui chief of marine police and harbor department was on the petcherat boat and was injured and witnessed and reported the facts as above.

Pethcerat Team have been to the hospital to visit the injured and offered any help they can to assist and support those injured in the time of need.. the Captain in the incident has been interviewed and questioned both by the police and the marine police as well as the other captain of the sea breeze boat. they did not run away they did not disappear!!!!! the gave full account of what happened to the authorities.

Pethcerat Company is not "mafia " or influential owned. as may other speed boat companies in samui.. it is owned and operated by hard working people who have invested many years in making this company the leading company in samui. Pethcerat Marina regrets that this terrible incident has happened and is doing everything with the authorities to learn and advise so as it will not happen again.

Petcherat Marina is sorry that this incident has, while happened and addressed properly, was the target of some members on this forum who while using anonymity cast a shadow on the speed boat companies that are operating in professional way. and regrets to see some of the postings on this board that were made by those who have no idea of the facts.

Since this board is very popular an important source of information to members and non members it is also expected that there will be some responsibility for posts and not speculative flaming remarks specially when this terrible incident has such public impact. we truly regret that some members on this forum have decided to use this terrible incident to defame and make baseless accusations.

We invir those of you who are truely interested in this matter to come to the marina and get first hand explanations and details.

I was on the Pha-Ngan to Samui boat, here is my witness statement

It had been raining Thailand style, anyone who has been to Thailand knows what I mean but as we set off it had stopped and the sea was fairly calm.

I was the last to board the boat, so sat down at the front in the kind of V that the front of a speed boat has with these 2 girls and got chatting with them, I remember noticing that the guys sitting across from me were tourist police but didn't think much of it at the time. The sides were quite high so we couldn't see out.

We'd been going for about 10 mins, one of the crew was standing in the middle between where I was sitting and where the tourist police were sitting, as he was standing he could see out and then suddenly started shouting and waving a little hand held torch.

About 3 seconds latter there was a huge bang, the next thing I know is that I'm falling backwards in to the sea, I took a deep breath and swam out through the hole and was now effectively out to sea, but next to the boat.

I wasn't afraid or feared drowning or anything, I just knew I needed to get back on the boat. To be honest I don't think I was thinking, more just reacting if that makes any sense?

Something was tugging at my leg, not enough to pull me under but more like trying to get my attention, so I reached down and came up with bits of debris, I tried a few more times and found more debris so started to swim to the back of the boat but as I did I realized that I now had 2 girls without life jackets clinging to me, so all I could do was kick through the debris to get to the back of the boat.

I do clearly remember shouting at this guy who was still on board to put the boarding ladder down so we could all climb back on board but he just stood there, I called a few more times to him but he didn't do anything, I think he was one of the crew, not sure, so I swam across to the other side of the outboard motors where a guy on board and I got the 2 girls out the water.

There was a girl calling to me from a few meters away, I'm not sure if I went to get her or she managed to come to me but we got her on board, she had a massive head injury and part of her calf muscle missing. There was another girl about 20 or 30 meters out to sea calling for help, I shouted to someone on board to go and help her but no one went so I started to swim out and I think someone else had also gone as she seemed to be right there in only as few strokes so we got her on board, I tried to climb up myself but was too tired so some other guys climbed up and then turned round and helped me up.

We seemed to be out at sea for ages until help turned up.

As for the media reports, I never saw the other boat capsized or sink, its possible that it spun fully and it is also possible that it sank after we left on the police launch but I never saw that. I did see some smoke coming from it like it was on fire but that could have been anything, steam off the hot engines for example and I certainly didn't see flames.

Our boat had no lights on, I can not say for the other boat, out boat did not slow down, we were still full throttle at point of impact and we did not deviate course, as in our boat did not try to steer out of the way.

I have not been offered any compensation from the boat companies and had no contact with them.

Adam thanks for you statement.

Based on your recollections you are certainly a selfless hero.

Thank you, for all those you made efforts to save.

I'm no hero, I'm just a survivor.

I've only really posted here to add balance to the story, it seems there is a lot of speculation and statements, but like I say, I have not even been contacted by the boat company to see how I am doing, never mind to compensate me for the loss of my holiday, possessions, injuries or psychological trauma as they claimed they would.

I'd be interested in contact with others involved; some I've already tracked down myself, anyone else on board either boat feel free to contact me.

[Kan Win]

News: The Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 is owned by Sea Beach Tour and Transport Co. Preecha Chorsuwannachart, a passenger on board the Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5, said the boat traveled at high speed and did not have its signal lights switched on. Police said the license for the Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 has expired and not been renewed and it also has no insurance documents. The Sawasdi Chalermchoke Nawa5 capsized on Jan 25, 2005, while taking tourists from a full-moon party on Koh Phangan. Fifteen passengers drowned in the accident. Police said the boat sank because it was overloaded.

This was the boat. Photo taken in 20th Feb 2005.

Sawadee