PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities raised red warning flags and halted small boat traffic after tourists spent seven hours adrift in rough seas.
Red flags over Pattaya beaches
Pattaya’s Marine Department Region 6 imposed an immediate ban on all small boats and speedboats due to strong winds and rough seas that posed an acute danger to life. An official said the move followed a specific incident in which holidaymakers got into distress at sea. The rescue of the tourists after seven hours in the open water was described as a dramatic operation, and officials now aimed to prevent any repeat.
Tighter safety checks at piers
The city administration ordered strict controls at all piers, with officers monitoring compliance with safety regulations.
“Every passenger must wear a life jacket before boarding the boat – no exceptions!”
said local authorities. Even experienced boat operators were required to follow the new rules, with officials stressing that safety outweighed all other considerations.
Tourist numbers stayed high despite storm
Despite monsoon conditions and official warnings, many visitors continued to travel to Koh Larn over the weekend. Numbers remained high among both Thai and foreign tourists, driven by the appeal of the island’s beaches. Authorities tried to ease fears by increasing visible safety measures along the coast.
Seven hours of fear at sea
The ban on departures stemmed from a recent incident in which a group of tourists drifted helplessly after their boat capsized. For seven hours they fought for their lives before rescuers finally brought them to safety, leaving lasting trauma among those involved. Officials said the case had been a wake-up call and that no further risks would be taken.
What the beach flags mean
The red flag signalled a situation of life-threatening danger, meaning swimming and departures of small boats were strictly prohibited. Yellow flags indicated a need for heightened caution, with only strong swimmers advised to enter the water. Officers on the beaches emphasised that the measures were not intended to spoil holidays but to save lives.
Mixed reactions from tourists and operators
Visitor reactions were divided, with many expressing understanding for the stricter rules.
“Better safe than dead,”
said a German tourist. Others were disappointed that planned island trips were cancelled and hoped for an improvement in the weather soon, while boat operators complied reluctantly, noting that potential penalties for violations would be too severe.