PHUKET: Two authorities are scrapping over whether a tourist boat was overloaded when the passengers waved and hollered to be rescued on a day-trip yesterday.
According to the deputy director of Nopparattanathara Beach and Phi Phi Island National Park, Boonnam Choiradum, the longtail was carrying 20 passengers and two crew on a boat with a limit of 13 passengers.
According to the regional director of the Phuket-based Marine 5 Office, Vichai Khumkhong, the longtail was carrying the right number of passengers.
Both agreed, however, that some of the passengers - by the higher estimate totalling 20, including four children - were not fitted out with lifejackets. The operators will face prosecution as a result.
Park rangers spotted the longtail off Ao Nang - 500 metres off the beach according to one authority, 200 metres according to the other - about 10.30am yesterday in rolling seas.
The rangers could see people waving through binoculars and the passengers were relieved to be rescued.
Difficulties were encountered as the vessel made a day trip to four destinations off Krabi - Khoa Pad, Talay Wake, Khao Pai and Railay beach.
Investigations are continuing. Phuketwan would welcome contact from anyone who was on the longtail at the time.
According to the deputy director of Nopparattanathara Beach and Phi Phi Island National Park, Boonnam Choiradum, the longtail was carrying 20 passengers and two crew on a boat with a limit of 13 passengers.
According to the regional director of the Phuket-based Marine 5 Office, Vichai Khumkhong, the longtail was carrying the right number of passengers.
Both agreed, however, that some of the passengers - by the higher estimate totalling 20, including four children - were not fitted out with lifejackets. The operators will face prosecution as a result.
Park rangers spotted the longtail off Ao Nang - 500 metres off the beach according to one authority, 200 metres according to the other - about 10.30am yesterday in rolling seas.
The rangers could see people waving through binoculars and the passengers were relieved to be rescued.
Difficulties were encountered as the vessel made a day trip to four destinations off Krabi - Khoa Pad, Talay Wake, Khao Pai and Railay beach.
Investigations are continuing. Phuketwan would welcome contact from anyone who was on the longtail at the time.
Longtail boat? From the pics it looks like a speedboat.
Posted by Lana on January 25, 2014 14:03