A major rescue operation was launched in Thailand after a packed tourist speedboat collided head-on with a fishing trawler, throwing all 55 people on board into the sea and resulting in one fatality.
Scene of Panic in the Andaman Sea
The collision occurred on Sunday morning near Koh Gai Island, close to the popular Phi Phi Islands in the waters between Phuket and Krabi. The tourist vessel, the Korawich Marine 888, was carrying 52 tourists and three crew members when it struck the fishing trawler Pichai Samut 1.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as passengers were thrown into the water. "People were screaming and holding onto each other. Some were pulling their loved ones out of the water," one account said. The impact tore the front off the speedboat, causing it to overturn and sink.
Casualties and Rescue Response
One person, an 18-year-old Russian tourist named Elizaveta S, died despite frantic efforts by medics to revive her. The Russian consulate-general in Phuket, Yegor Ivanov, confirmed her death, stating they were investigating the circumstances.
All individuals were rapidly pulled from the sea by emergency services and nearby vessels. However, the incident left 22 people injured. Among the wounded were 19 foreign tourists and three Thai crew members. One person was initially in critical condition and rushed to Phi Phi Hospital, while others were transferred to hospitals in Phuket for observation.
Investigation and Tourist Safety
Thai authorities reported that the fishing trawler was not damaged, but the speedboat suffered catastrophic structural failure. No oil spill or environmental damage was reported.
An investigation into the cause is underway, examining factors such as speed, visibility, and navigation practices. Thailand's southern Andaman coast is one of the country's busiest tourist boating areas, especially during the peak winter season, with dozens of speedboats operating daily between Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.
Although the collision happened in Krabi Province waters, Phuket-based rescue units were mobilised due to their proximity and capacity. Initial reports indicated many on board were Russian-speaking, though the nationalities of all passengers have not been formally released.
