PHUKET – A sightseeing trip turned perilous Wednesday afternoon when the tour boat Poseidon suffered critical engine failure off the coast of Phuket, prompting an emergency maritime rescue operation. The vessel, carrying five foreign tourists, began taking on water between Koh Yao and Koh Khiao islands at approximately 4:50 p.m.

The crisis unfolded after the boat’s exhaust system sustained damage, causing a hull breach that threatened its buoyancy. Alert crew members immediately notified authorities, activating a swift multi-agency response. Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob mobilized the specialized “Pearl Center” tourist assistance unit alongside disaster mitigation teams.

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Marine responders executed a textbook rescue operation, with Patrol Boat 3 evacuating all passengers unharmed to Chalong Pier. Simultaneously, the support vessel Mermaid performed emergency containment measures, stabilizing the leaking hull. In a coordinated effort, Mermaid and the Andaman Pearl 3 rescue craft then towed the disabled Poseidon back to port.

A Phuket tour boat, "Poseidon," encountered serious issues with water leakage and an exhaust pipe malfunction, prompting a swift rescue operation to assist five foreign tourists. #Phukethttps://t.co/VLzLta7Miy

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) July 10, 2025

“This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of Phuket’s marine safety protocols,” stated PPAO President Rewat. “Our teams train rigorously for such scenarios to protect both tourists and Thailand’s tourism reputation.”

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Marine Department inspectors have launched an investigation into the mechanical failure, while tourism officials confirmed all affected travelers received medical checks and accommodation assistance. The incident marks the third marine emergency off Phuket this monsoon season, reigniting discussions about stricter vessel maintenance regulations.

-Thailand News (TN)