KRABI – A potentially dangerous maritime incident was safely averted off the coast of Krabi on Saturday when a speedboat carrying 35 tourists began taking on water shortly after departing Koh Mai Phai. The vessel, which had embarked from Phuket with 39 people aboard including crew, developed a critical hull breach that threatened to sink the craft before the captain could return to shore.

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The emergency unfolded just ten minutes into the journey when water unexpectedly flooded the hull, causing the boat to list noticeably. Captain S. immediately turned the vessel back toward Koh Mai Phai while alerting Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park authorities. The park dispatched two patrol boats that successfully transferred all passengers to a larger vessel for their continued journey to Phuket.

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Mr. Sirivat Saengchawi, head of the national park, confirmed the rapid response prevented a serious maritime accident. Investigation revealed a crack on the rear left side of the hull as the source of the flooding. All passengers were evacuated without injury, and authorities have initiated an inspection to determine the exact cause of the structural failure while emphasizing the importance of regular vessel maintenance and emergency preparedness.

-Thailand News (TN)