Six tourists are safe after the longtail boat they were in sank right after they’d been dropped off at Bamboo Island near Koh Phi Phi. The chief of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has called on all boat operators to ensure their vessels are seaworthy and safe.
Yutthaphong Damsrisuk says park officials stationed at Bamboo Island were notified of the sinking of the Choksiri Nathorn at around 9.15am on Friday, November 17. The longtail had just dropped 6 tourists at the beach and was on its way to a mooring area when it was struck by large waves. The boat began taking on water and eventually sank.
Officials helped to recover the sunken longtail and Yutthaphong issued a notice to boat operators, reminding them of an earlier announcement that had warned of the need for heightened caution between Thursday, November 16, and Sunday, November 19.
“In consideration of safety and to prevent water accidents that may occur, and due to sailing conditions during the monsoon, with heavy rain and strong winds, we would like to announce a warning to use caution in carrying out tourism activities or carrying out any activities in tourist areas.”
“All boat operators in the Hat Nopparat Thara – Phi Phi Islands National Park are to check the readiness of their boats. People are to wear a life jacket at all times while in a boat and engaged in water play activities, and please continue to follow the weather and news reports from the Meteorological Department closely.”
SOURCE: The Phuket News
