Phuket: Tragic boat disaster – Strict controls after accident!

Phuket: Tragic boat disaster – Strict controls after accident!

In Phuket, authorities have launched a comprehensive campaign to restore tourist confidence in the boating sector following a tragic collision and devastating fire in Chalong Bay. On Tuesday, many complained about safety issues surrounding the popular water sport. This campaign was launched after an overcrowded speedboat rammed a fishing boat, killing a Russian girl, Liza Pak, who was only five years old. This wave of misfortune has not only affected the immediate community, but has also shaken the confidence of tourists, leading to strict measures to increase security levels.

In this tragic collision that occurred on Sunday, the speedboat's captain, Natthawut Wongwilai, not only injured the passengers, but he himself is now on life support as he remains seriously injured in the hospital. During the examination it also emerged that the 41-year-old tested positive for an amphetamine substance. This raises serious questions about safety and boating standards, particularly following other recent incidents that have caused outrage.

Cleanup and security measures

Following the incidents, urine tests were immediately carried out on 87 tourist boaters and companions. It emerged that six people tested positive for drug abuse, which could lead to direct prosecution. The clean-up work in Chalong Bay is already in full swing, supported by excavators and bulldozers. The beach road had to be closed to make rescue work easier.

Rawai and Chalong mayors Thames Kraitat and Samran Jindapol stressed the urgency of the situation and called for rapid removal of boat debris and comprehensive environmental restoration. The damage caused by the fire, which affected 24 speedboats and longboats in the region, is enormous. The owners of these boats are largely part of the local community, making the need for quick action doubly important.

Support measures and outlook

The girl's tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and prompted authorities to launch an investigation into the incident. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has underlined the need for strict safety measures and ordered speedboat safety protocols to be reviewed. Given the dangers on the water, training and supervision of boaters must be intensified to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

The community is in deep mourning for the deceased girl, while the survivors have to live with injuries, some of which are serious. The residents of the region agree: action must be taken to ensure safety for tourists and the local population. This is the only way Phuket can restore its reputation as a safe holiday destination and regain trust in the water sports industry.

We hope that the measures taken can have the desired effect and prevent future tragedies. Tourists heading to Phuket should be able to feel safe while enjoying the beauty of this island without having to worry about accidents or other unpleasant incidents.

For further information about the incidents and the ongoing measures, please read here: Bangkok Post and Thai Examiner.