Will anything Mr Ergun said about this incident be acted upon by the authorities? After reading of all the other incidents listed in your article that'll be a NO then. Is anyone in charge here or do we have to wait till body bags with drowned kids are splashed across the world's media before action is ever taken by the authorities?

Posted by Scunner on August 28, 2012 06:59

Does Mr Ergun take any responsibilty for going to sea in bad weather or for not checking if the boat was safe for his family. NO it is everyone fault but he accepts no responsibilty for his lack of common sense.

Posted by Arthur on August 28, 2012 08:05

Will it be possible, when this kind of accidents happens, to have the name of the boat operator?
If this kind of information was out, it would probably put out of business many unscrupulous operators and may be a good reminder for those who take safety lightly to think twice before taking risks.
Thank you

Posted by Lucien on August 28, 2012 08:13

Mr. Editor...Back where I come from (USA) we have rules and regulations regarding taking paid passengers on board. As a captain of a vessel for hire I am required at a MINIMUM to have what is called a 'six pack' license. That allows me to take six paying individuals, 150 miles off shore. I am totally responsible for all on board.I am required to maintain my vessel in TOTAL working order and have as many working life jackets on board as there are people, paying or otherwise.My vessel is inspected by the US Coast Guard each year.If I fail to meet the required expectations, which, by the way are basic common sense issues, I can be heavily fined.If anything happens to any individual on my vessel I can not only be fined, but lose my license, be fined and go to JAIL, never to obtain another license again. I am sure this is not the first time Mr. Ergun has been on the water. It is ALSO his responsibility to asses, not only the condition of the vessel,l but ASK TO SEE THE CAPTAINS CREDENTIALS...I have no problem showing my passengers my papers when asked.In fact it is required in Western civilized countries, that your credentials be posted in a conspicuous location.Thailand may have some rules about SOME things...If they are not enforced then there are no rules at all.Then, sadly, I am reminded that this is not a Western country, nor is very intelligent.

Posted by Ted Davis on August 28, 2012 10:40

Poor standards of boats, greedy and reckless tour operators and irresponsible boat crews are one thing.

But parents taking 2 and 8 year old children under yesterday's weather conditions on a relatively long speed boat trip, for my understanding are out of mind. It was a risk riding in a car over the island (what I had to do myself ) but venturing the sea in a nutshell should have been the last thing, people with at least a little bit of common sense should have done.

Posted by Resident on August 28, 2012 11:12

Dear editor,
Often read your comments and had my thoughts.
This time your remarks show that you are well thinking.
I agree, if there are rules, they should be followed, both by officials and businesspeople.
But please use common sense yourself as well, when you are up to something.

Posted by Inpo on August 28, 2012 12:23

Dear Editor,

Having only last week been to Phi Phi on a similar boat, this news article jumped out at me.

I'm sure there may be shonky tour operators out there but not all are. The crew from our tour took the trip safety seriously. We were sitting near the captain during rough seas and can assure you he took great efforts and concentration in reading the water. Our propellor was entangled with stray fishing net and the crew quickly and efficiently dealt with the problem.

As for Thai inspections, during a trip a few days earlier to James Bond Island, they came to see all was OK. The crew member paddling our canoe said these inspections happened every day. I doubt tour operators here in Australia would face the same level of scrutiny.

I'm sure we were very lucky to not have such freak waves that the recent trip encountered. Sometimes freak accidents just happen. Pleased to hear all were rescued.

Posted by Anonymous on August 28, 2012 19:41

Dear Editor,
young families and any other traveller however never should lose common sense, wherever they go to and whatever they are doing.
I am not defending irresponsibility on any site but very often tourist's behavior when abroad is just foolish and people do things, I believe they never would do at home.
I would be pleased if you would consider this as well. And this has nothing to do with being 20 years behind of time, but with staying out of trouble as much as possible because of using the brain..

Posted by Resident on August 29, 2012 11:15

Dear Editor,
English doesn't seem to be our common language today, but what about this:

Stopping boats from going out in bad weather would be the most logical thing. All boats and captains should be licensed and boats be equipped according to international safety standards. Obviously this isn't possible at this certain moment, for whatever reason.

At this point. at least according to my understanding, everyone MUST use common sense to keep hisself and maybe friends and familiy safe.

Nowhere around the world you can just trust law and law enforcement, though in some places more, in others less.

Posted by Resident on August 29, 2012 12:16