PHUKET: A large Royal Thai Navy vessel was on its way to Racha island this afternoon to rescue more than 100 tourists, stranded when a severe storm lashed Phuket and the surrounding region.
It's the second time this year that the Navy has been called in to rescue large numbers of stranded tourists.
Envoys from many countries and marine safety experts are concerned that some speedboat ''captains'' from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi ignore warnings to stay ashore in forecast dangerous weather and take tourists to sea regardless.
Today's predicted storm ripped through yachts, speedboats and longtails off Phuket and Phi Phi, sinking a ferry and a dive boast. Two men were missing on board a trawler.
Some of the damaged yachts were due to compete in next month's Phuket King's Cup regatta. Residents on Phi Phi said the storm was the worst natural disaster to strike since the 2004 tsunami.
One expat resident on Phi Phi warned that rubbish bang being smashed to pieces could cause a toxic environmental problem.
On land, aircraft destined for Phuket International Airport were diverted, flights out were delayed, a landslip ripped one Phuket road and wet weather brought traffic chaos.
Questions will probably be asked about tourist safety when Phuket's honorary consuls from about 20 countries meet with Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud on Tuesday.
Britain has undertaken to support improvements to safety efforts at sea and on the popular beaches and day-trip destinations where about 30 people have drowned so far this year, no date has been set for a marine safety summit that was originally proposed for October.
It's the second time this year that the Navy has been called in to rescue large numbers of stranded tourists.
Envoys from many countries and marine safety experts are concerned that some speedboat ''captains'' from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi ignore warnings to stay ashore in forecast dangerous weather and take tourists to sea regardless.
Today's predicted storm ripped through yachts, speedboats and longtails off Phuket and Phi Phi, sinking a ferry and a dive boast. Two men were missing on board a trawler.
Some of the damaged yachts were due to compete in next month's Phuket King's Cup regatta. Residents on Phi Phi said the storm was the worst natural disaster to strike since the 2004 tsunami.
One expat resident on Phi Phi warned that rubbish bang being smashed to pieces could cause a toxic environmental problem.
On land, aircraft destined for Phuket International Airport were diverted, flights out were delayed, a landslip ripped one Phuket road and wet weather brought traffic chaos.
Questions will probably be asked about tourist safety when Phuket's honorary consuls from about 20 countries meet with Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud on Tuesday.
Britain has undertaken to support improvements to safety efforts at sea and on the popular beaches and day-trip destinations where about 30 people have drowned so far this year, no date has been set for a marine safety summit that was originally proposed for October.
Swimming off the the beach is natural but who ignores red flags in any country. Can't blame Thailand for that. They generally have lifeguards around the safe areas.
Posted by Mikegy on November 23, 2013 18:12