Phuket – A swift maritime rescue operation saved five people on Sunday afternoon after their long-tail fishing boat suffered engine failure and drifted perilously near offshore islands amid strong winds and rough seas.

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The Phuket Marine Office sprang into action after receiving an emergency alert around 4:30 PM, reporting that the vessel—equipped with a shaft-driven propeller—had stalled near Maiton Island’s western coast. With its anchor dragging in the turbulent waters, the boat was pushed toward the rocky shores of Dok Mai Island, prompting immediate fears for those onboard.

Under the direction of the Phuket Marine Office’s chief, Patrol Boat 601 was rapidly dispatched to the scene. Crews found the boat operator and four passengers unharmed but stranded. The patrol team safely evacuated the passengers to Coco Pier, while the operator stayed aboard as the disabled vessel was towed back to shore.

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The successful rescue was carried out in collaboration with Royal Thai Navy Region 3 and the Third Naval Area Command’s vessel Tor 272, demonstrating efficient interagency coordination in Phuket’s busy waters. Authorities have reminded boat operators to ensure proper engine maintenance and exercise caution during adverse weather conditions to prevent similar incidents.

-Thailand News (TN)