KRABI, THAILAND – A longtail boat capsized off the coast of Krabi on 21 March between Ko Poda and the Ao Nam Mao Pier, and twelve tourists were rescued from the water.
Emergency call triggers rapid rescue off Krabi
According to the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, the authority was informed about the overturned boat at around 3:29 p.m. local time. National park chief Saengsuri Songthong then dispatched response teams to the affected sea area to provide immediate assistance.
Two people were taken to hospital with injuries, while national park teams and private helpers brought the situation under control later in the afternoon. The remaining passengers were reported to be safe.
Boat found overturned, speedboat aids stranded tourists
When officials arrived at the scene, the longtail boat was already lying upside down in the sea. According to the national park, a speedboat named Poolphol Marine was already assisting those affected directly on site.
Rescue workers brought all twelve tourists to safety. Two injured passengers were transported to hospital for medical treatment, while the other ten were considered uninjured.
Care on Ko Poda and safe return to shore
The uninjured tourists were first taken to Ko Poda, where national park units continued to look after them. Their safe return to the Ao Nam Mao Pier was then organised.
On its official Facebook page, the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park thanked all involved agencies for their swift assistance and described the operation as smooth. At the same time, the park renewed its appeal to boat operators and travellers to strictly comply with safety measures for sea journeys.
Second incident: fishing vessel capsizes off Phuket
Separately, the Royal Thai Navy deployed the vessel HTMS Hua Hin after the fishing boat Chok Mana 1 capsized in high waves off Phuket. The navy stated that, with the support of a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter, all nine crew members were rescued.
The report noted that the crew were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. Authorities did not report any fatalities in connection with the capsizing of the fishing vessel.