A search is underway for a longtail boat operator missing since falling in the water off Krabi on Friday evening, February 16.
It’s understood the driver, named as 37 year old Apichart Kobtaisong, had 10 foreign tourists on his boat at the time. As his longtail approached Chicken Island (Koh Kai), Apichart slowed down to allow his passengers to take photographs of the sunset. His boat was then struck by another longtail, knocking Apichart into the water.
Nation Thailand reports that all 31 passengers on both longtails were safely transferred to shore. Officials from Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park have launched a search operation for the missing driver.
The search party is operating within a 10-kilometre area of the collision site and using drones, boats, and scuba divers. National Park chief Yutthapong Dumsrisuk says officials are also enlisting the help of tour agencies and local residents.
It is not known what action, if any, will be taken against the driver of the other longtail.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
