PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 60-year-old Russian tourist was seriously injured while disembarking from a ferry at Laem Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya on Tuesday midday.
Tourist injured while stepping off Koh Larn ferry
The woman, identified by authorities as Albina Bogdanova, had returned on a passenger ferry from the excursion island of Koh Larn when the incident occurred at the busy pier in South Pattaya. Witnesses said strong wind and rough waves caused the boat to sway violently as it came alongside the pier.
Leg trapped between moving ferry and pier railing
As passengers began to disembark, Bogdanova attempted to step onto the pier but missed her footing and slipped. Her left leg became trapped between the still-moving vessel and the metal railing of the pier, causing a large wound to her ankle and an open fracture.
“She screamed in pain. The boat moved back and forth with the waves, and suddenly her leg was trapped. It happened in seconds.”
said an eyewitness, according to rescue workers.
Rapid emergency response and hospital treatment
City security officers in Pattaya and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation reported that they arrived at the scene within minutes. Medical personnel provided initial emergency treatment directly on the pier before transporting the injured tourist by ambulance to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for urgent care.
Safety concerns at Laem Bali Hai under scrutiny
The incident reignited debate over safety measures at Laem Bali Hai, one of the city’s most heavily used piers. Authorities noted that particularly in strong winds and high waves, dangerous situations could arise when ferries were still moving during berthing.
Maritime authorities issue reminders to tourists
Maritime authorities used the case to issue a clear reminder to visitors. They urged passengers to board and leave boats only once they are fully moored, to strictly follow crew instructions, especially in bad weather, and to pay attention to the ferry’s movements while using available handholds.
Key hub remains under observation
According to officials, the pier remains an important hub for ferry services to Koh Larn. However, existing safety precautions and procedures for boarding and disembarking are again under close observation following the serious injury.