Bangkok: Thrilling rescue efforts unfolded as Phi Phi National Park officials successfully saved 28 tourists from a potentially disastrous situation at sea. A boat named Siriwan Marine 5 encountered a leak while navigating through rough waves near Koh Poda Nok, Ao Nang Subdistrict, in Krabi Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident prompted Mr. Saengsuri Songthong, Chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, to initiate a swift response. Officials at Maya Bay were tasked with deploying a patrol boat and the speedboat Nanthicha 333 to execute the rescue. The tourists, comprising both Thai nationals and foreigners, were safely transferred to a park boat and brought to Ao Loh Samah Pier behind Maya Bay. Subsequently, arrangements were made for another boat to transport the tourists to their original destination, Phuket.
The chief reported that the accident occurred as the boat was traveling from Koh Lipe in Satun Province to Phuket Province. Initial investigations revealed that the boat encountered difficulties while passing Koh Phi Phi, leading to the leak. The park has issued a reminder to passenger boat operators to conduct thorough checks on their vessels before departure to mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future.
