A 19-year-old Chinese tourist suffered minor injuries after the tour boat she was in overturned due to large waves during a tour near James Bond Island yesterday.
Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park Chief Sarayuth Tansathien told The Phuket News this morning that injured tourist, Chang Cian, 19, was taken to Phang Nga Hospital for treatment.
Chang suffered bruises to her chest and arms, but was otherwise in good health. Chang and 15 other tourists from China were travelling in a Kao Kao Tour boat when the vessel became overwhelmed by large waves after its engine died. The boat was adrift between Koh Talu and Khao Ping Kan, home to the iconic James Bond Island.
“The boat did not sink,” Chief Sarayuth said. “But large waves flipped it over, tossing the passengers and crew into the water. Park officers were dispatched by boat to rescue the crew and passengers,” he added.
Chang was brought ashore at the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park pier and transported to hospital by the Por Thampraprath Rescue Team. The tour boat was also safety recovered.
Chief Sarayuth noted, “A weather warning had been issued urging all boat operators to beware large waves over the weekend, and every tour company must be aware of and take heed of such weather warnings. Luckily no one was seriously hurt in this incident, and I have warned that company to be more careful when they take tourists out on any future tours,” he added.
Story: The Phuket News
Reader Interactions