A speedboat carrying numerous tourists collided head-on with a fishing trawler off the Phi Phi Islands in southern Thailand. The vessel, named Korawich Marine 888, was transporting 55 individuals when the incident occurred on Sunday morning, leading to a large-scale rescue operation. Tragically, an 18-year-old Russian tourist, identified as Elizaveta S, lost her life despite rescue efforts.
Reports indicate that over a dozen people sustained injuries in the collision. One individual was initially in critical condition and was rushed to Phi Phi Hospital, while the rest received medical attention from paramedics before being transferred to hospitals in Phuket for further treatment.
The crash occurred in the vicinity of Koh Gai Island near the Phi Phi Islands, situated between Phuket and Krabi. Thai authorities and local media confirmed that the speedboat’s bow was torn off upon impact, causing the vessel to capsize and sink in the Andaman Sea. Fortunately, the fishing trawler, known as Pichai Samut 1, remained undamaged, with no reports of oil spills or environmental harm.
The Russian Consulate General in Phuket verified the death of the Russian tourist. Yegor Ivanov, the Russian Consul General in Phuket, stated, “Unfortunately, the death of the Russian woman has been confirmed. We are currently gathering details about the other victims.”
Authorities are actively investigating the collision’s cause, focusing on factors such as speed, visibility, and navigation practices at the time of the incident. Despite the crash transpiring in Krabi Province waters, rescue and medical teams from Phuket were dispatched due to their proximity and operational capabilities.
While the nationalities of all passengers have not been officially disclosed, it was reported by Russian media that there were Russian-speaking tourists among the passengers. Thailand’s southern Andaman coast is renowned for its high tourist boating activity, particularly during the peak winter season, with numerous speedboats shuttling passengers daily between Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.