A horrifying accident off Thailand’s Phi-Phi Islands left one person dead and 22 others injured when a packed tourist speedboat collided with a fishing trawler.
The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, involved the Korawich Marine 888, a tourist vessel carrying 55 people, including 52 tourists and three crew members.
The collision tossed everyone into the waters of the Andaman Sea, sparking a massive rescue operation.
The Devastating Impact of the Crash
The tragic crash took place near Koh Gai Island, located between Phuket and Krabi, causing the front of the speedboat to be torn off upon impact.
The boat capsized and quickly sank, leaving passengers struggling in the sea.
Despite heroic efforts from rescue teams, one Russian tourist, 18-year-old Elizaveta S., tragically lost her life.
Medics performed CPR, but it was too late to save her.
The Russian Consulate in Phuket confirmed her death and stated they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Consulate General has received information about the death of a Russian citizen,” said Yegor Ivanov, the Russian consul.
“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this incident.”
Panic and Chaos in the Water
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as passengers, many of whom were tourists, scrambled to stay afloat amidst the panic.
“People were screaming and holding onto each other.
Some were pulling their loved ones out of the water,” one onlooker recalled.
The desperation in the water was palpable, with cries for help echoing across the sea.
One distressed passenger was heard shouting, “What the hell are you doing?” as the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
Speedboat Sinks, Prompt Rescue Operation
As the speedboat sank into the Andaman Sea, nearby vessels and emergency responders sprang into action.
Rescue teams quickly plucked all 55 people from the water, rushing them to safety on the nearby shore.
However, the impact of the crash left at least 22 individuals injured, including 19 foreign tourists and three Thai crew members.
Among the wounded, one tourist was reported to be in critical condition and was immediately transported to Phi Phi Hospital.
The other injured passengers received first aid on-site before being transferred to hospitals in Phuket for further treatment and observation.
Authorities Investigate the Cause of the Collision
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision.
Initial reports suggest that speed, visibility, and navigation issues may have played a role, but further examination is needed.
Thai officials confirmed that the fishing trawler, Pichai Samut 1, was not damaged in the collision, while the speedboat sustained severe structural damage. Fortunately, no oil spill or environmental harm was reported.
A Busy Tourist Area
The incident occurred in one of Thailand’s busiest tourist zones, where boats regularly ferry visitors between Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi-Phi Islands.
The southern Andaman coast is a prime spot for tourists, especially during the peak winter season when speedboats operate at full capacity.
Despite the tragic event happening in Krabi Province, rescue and medical teams from Phuket were quickly mobilized due to their proximity and available resources.
What Happens Next?
While the authorities have not yet released the nationalities of all the passengers involved in the crash, Russian-language media reports indicate that many of the tourists were Russian-speaking.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are working to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn