PHUKET: A savage storm sank a transport vessel laden with equipment worth ''millions of baht'' between mainland Krabi and Phi Phi this afternoon.
The 11 crew on board were rescued before the boat went to the bottom about four miles off Krabi. One crewman remains in hospital with heart palpitations.
The other 10 have been checked at Krabi Hospital and will be allowed to go home.
Chao Fa Rescue Centre, based in Krabi, was called into action about 2.40pm by the captain of the vessel, Thavee Chuchoy.
The modified fishing vessel, used to carry construction equipment, food and other supplies between the mainland and the popular holiday island of Phi Phi, was overloaded, said a spokesman for the rescue centre.
It appears the lessons from the sinking of the cargo vessel MV Hope earlier this month in waters south of Phuket have not been absorbed. A storm capsized the Hope, leaving eight crew dead or missing and nine fortunate to escape.
The boat that went to the bottom today in another storm regularly made the voyage from Ling Hin Pier to Phi Phi, which takes ferries about 100 minutes.
Concern about marine safety has been mounting in the Phuket, krabi and Phang Nga region with sinkings and standings.
One mass stranding required a Royal Navy warship to rescue more than 400 tourists stuck off the coast of Phang Nga.
More storms have been forecast for the rest of the week with small boats advised not to put to sea.
The 11 crew on board were rescued before the boat went to the bottom about four miles off Krabi. One crewman remains in hospital with heart palpitations.
The other 10 have been checked at Krabi Hospital and will be allowed to go home.
Chao Fa Rescue Centre, based in Krabi, was called into action about 2.40pm by the captain of the vessel, Thavee Chuchoy.
The modified fishing vessel, used to carry construction equipment, food and other supplies between the mainland and the popular holiday island of Phi Phi, was overloaded, said a spokesman for the rescue centre.
It appears the lessons from the sinking of the cargo vessel MV Hope earlier this month in waters south of Phuket have not been absorbed. A storm capsized the Hope, leaving eight crew dead or missing and nine fortunate to escape.
The boat that went to the bottom today in another storm regularly made the voyage from Ling Hin Pier to Phi Phi, which takes ferries about 100 minutes.
Concern about marine safety has been mounting in the Phuket, krabi and Phang Nga region with sinkings and standings.
One mass stranding required a Royal Navy warship to rescue more than 400 tourists stuck off the coast of Phang Nga.
More storms have been forecast for the rest of the week with small boats advised not to put to sea.
I guess they didn't read the heavy weather warning on the TMD site. Overloaded and putting to sea in current conditions- as ye sow so shal ye reap.
'The rather strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Central, the East and the South. Scattered to fairly widespread rain and isolated heavy rain are likely over the country. The wind wave in the Andaman Sea is likely about 2 meters high. All ships should proceed with caution during 1-3 days.
The advisory will be effect on 31 July 2013
Issued at 4.30 a.m.'
Posted by Mister Ree on July 31, 2013 20:21