Can't help but be impressed by the actions of the Governor of Phuket and the vice governor.

Sounds like accolades are also due for the Royal Thai Navy.

Seems odd that the boat wasn't reported missing until 8.30am though. Prayers for those missing and hopes they are found well.

Posted by photo_journ on March 9, 2009 18:04

My very deep condolences to all families, friends and colleagues of the missing. I am with you in spirit.

Posted by Graham on March 9, 2009 19:19

Thanks for such detailed reporting of this situation. Also many thanks to the fishermen who actually rescued the survivors. Very concerning that there was a long delay in reporting the vessel missing and starting the search.

Posted by Jo on March 9, 2009 20:58

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the divers and their families. It is never easy to hear about any tragedy where our own are involved.

Posted by Connie on March 10, 2009 02:52

Our deepest condolences. We just arrived three weeks ago from a dive safari with DIVE ASIA 1, which was overbooked by 50 percent. Living in Indonesia, we hope that an investigation will clear any doubts about safety issues.

Posted by MichaelMade on March 10, 2009 06:24

There was a great letter to the Gazette editor last year from a marine engineer who thought that converting fishing boats to dive boats was to blame for all the mishaps.
A fishing boat has its weight below the water line, tear out the refrigeration units, tons of ice and fish , then add a top deck and passengers and you have a boat that is too top heavy to withstand heavy seas.

Posted by Mustava Mond on March 10, 2009 09:40

This was a purpose built dive boat of the highest quality. I have dived with Dive Asia many times and their professionalism is unrivalled. I can only hope that the missing are found alive. My sincere sympathy to all who have been affected by this unforeseen tragedy.

Posted by Mark R - St George Scuba on March 10, 2009 11:40

Our son, Michael was one of the rescued, thank God. Our hopes go to those who still haven't been found

Posted by Max Sampson on March 10, 2009 14:28

Diva Asia is one of the most professional dive and boat operators in South East Asia! We feel for them and give them all our sympathy and support. Two of Kata expats boat operators
BE STRONG DIVA ASIA!

Posted by Anonymous on March 10, 2009 17:52

I second the above comment having lived and worked here in the dive industry for the last two years, they are a very professional outfit that has suffered a horrifying incident and I offer all my sympathy and support to them, the families, friends and crew of those on board. Rather than pointing fingers, offer support and assistance! Sincerest condolences to all involved.

Posted by Anonymous on March 11, 2009 10:41

i dived with dive asia on their liveaboard 9 years ago and i was devastated to learn of this tragedy. i agree totally they are a well run highly professional company and comments by other on various sites who know nothing about the company should put their thought towards the missing and their family and also the dive asia staff. my thought and prayers are with them all.

Posted by stuartc on March 11, 2009 15:55

It's sad to read this news. My question is why should any of these dive boats allowed to sail at night time? Is there any regulation that prohibits sailing at night time? Think of it, the danger is far too greater once there is an accident in terms of survivality and rescue operation. another question is how can a boat with that calibre breaks into two? Surely the issue of maintenance of these boats in Thailand shall be regulated in law. Tourism for Similan Islands will and maybe already been affected by this unfortunate incident. Similan Islands now used to be my favourite spot when it was suppose to be is.

Editor: Early reports that the boat broke in two came from marine police, but turned out to be incorrect. We are now looking at the answers to the kinds of questions you are asking.

Posted by Rorne on March 11, 2009 20:57

i know jurgen and benno. they are top men.
having worked in the dive industry, one prepares for such things. i hope the captain put the bow into the storm.
the course would have been southerly. the storm probably would have been westerly. a wave would have center punched the beam. those boats are top heavy.

Posted by ron fremstad on March 16, 2009 00:04