Another boat accident near Phi Phi

[TV Channel 11]

There are initial reports coming in of another boat accident at about 1pm today involving a diving boat company based in Phuket that sunk near Koh Bida Nok & Phi Phi islands, with possibly one death.

Cannot yet contact company, but if anyone has first hand info photos or video please contact AndamanNews@yahoo.com this afternoon.

[aussie dollar]

Bangkok Post Breaking News

[LivinLOS]

Yeah.

Seems a ferry down with one person dead (60 on board) and 2 injured (one cut by prop)..

Safety standards in LOS !!

[Nicke]

Two times in a short time, look like they under estimate the weather, or take big risks to earn more money.

[andmel]

Anyone know what boat?

The article say the King Fisher boat, I can not find a boat from kingfisher diving with capacity for 60 persons.

I don't think it is a diving boat 60 person is to many on a diving boat, maybe a snorkling boat?

[andmel]

More info here, I think it is a snorkling boat

IC Publications

and more here

Israeli killed, one seriously injured as tourist boat sinks off Thailand - Haaretz - Israel News

The boat was designed for 20 persons but was carrying 60!!

Is this the boat http://www.fishingphuket.com/ ?

[Nicke]

I was also surprised by the numbers, you dont have 60 ppl on an average diving boat. Maybe 20.

[Datsun]

And no way 60ppl went diving at the same time in low season. And I doubt that a diving boat would take that many ppl snorkeling, coz they would get in the way for the divers. Sounds like a sightseeing/snorkeling/fishing boat.

[TV Channel 11]

MiniVDO: A boat accident occurred near Phi Phi islands yesterday with one fatal case.

To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews

A boat carrying 59 passengers and crew, mostly foreign tourists on a diving trip, sank near Koh Pida in Loh Thama bay yesterday, killing one Israeli tourist while another one was severely injured. After receiving a report, rescue boats rushed out to rescue 55 of them who were floating in the Andaman Sea of Krabi. While the survivors and one dead body were brought to Phi Phi Island, an Israeli national Adam Berbichevsky, whose leg was injured by the propeller, was brought to Rasada Port in Phuket, and then hospitalized at Bangkok Phuket Hospital. Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowaluck said the boat accident was caused by strong waves of over 3 metres. Yesterday evening the other passengers were brought to Krabi town. We pass our condolences to the bereaved family and friends and hope all the other passengers & crew are recovering.

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& related stories today:

MiniVDO: Krabi plans to run rescue and relief operations for its emergency drill on September 14th which is World First Aid Day.

To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews

Being a host venue for a seminar to be attended by representative personnel from all agencies concerned, Krabi is scheduled to run a comprehensive exercise on dealing with emergency situations. The Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowalak said the drill will involve all responsible agencies from government local administrative bodies, private, Navy & medical personnel as well as amateur radio clubs. He stated that the drill will cover land, ocean and rescue operations plus helicopter support from the Royal Thai Navy. The exercise will not only enhance the skills of people involved and test out equipment but also install public and tourist confidence in safety measures.
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MiniVDO: A marina project is planned to be developed near Jilad Pier in Krabi.

To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews

A marina project is being planned to develop near Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi to accommodate the yacht industry in the region. The Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation CEO Somsak Ki-ti-thorn-kul revealed the progress of the project saying that his office invited private investors to develop a marina on around 80 rai. Two private companies have submitted their concession proposals with around 600 million baht capital investment. The office is now awaiting their design plan and expects to sign a deal soon. Mr Somsak stated that the location is confirmed by a French expert who surveyed the water channel, which is suitable for marina development. He expects the construction to commence by early next year.

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A public session on the national counter corruption plan was held in Krabi.

Government officials, representatives from local administrative bodies, NGO and the general public from the three Andaman provinces of Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket gathered to listen and have their say or suggest for the national strategies on counter corruption. The session, held at a meeting room of the Krabi Provincial Administration Organsiation, was hosted by the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) and drafting committee, comprising academics from universities in Bangkok. Participants voiced their suggestions and concerns for the draft strategies, some about the roles and responsibilities, while others voiced the slow progress of the commission’s investigation. The Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowalak encouraged active participation as the plan under participation of stakeholders will lead to appropriate and fair treatment for the NCCC’s operation. The drafting committee will gather all the public opinions which were held across the nation to put in the final draft which is scheduled to be completed by December this year.
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from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) 8.30am + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket & Phuket Cable TV Channel 1 at 7/10.30 or 11pm, Wednesday 5 September 2007 & Êӹѡ¢èÒÇ ¡ÃÁ»ÃЪÒÊÑÁ¾Ñ¹¸ì......ThaisNews »ÃШÓÇѹ¾Ø¸·Õè 5 ¡Ñ¹ÂÒ¹ 2550

[LivinLOS]

Israeli tourist Adam Berdichevsky, with his girlfriend Hila Neemany, looks in high spirits despite facing the possibility that his left foot might have to be amputated.

PHUKET: The ill-fated tour boat that capsized and sank in stormy seas off the Phi Phi Islands yesterday was not overloaded at the time of the disaster, Krabi Marine Office Chief Suriya Kittimonthon today told the Gazette.

The 17.4-meter vessel was not overcrowded and a vessel of that size would normally be rated for about 60 passengers, he said.

However, documents held by the boat’s current owner, Suriyan Sroyson, list it with an operational passenger capacity of only 11 passengers, possibly for tax or business purposes, K. Suriya said.

Although K. Suriyan bought the boat from Jarunee Chotithammathorn earlier this year and the money paid over, there was no record of the transaction with the Marine Office, he added.

K. Suriyan was escorted to Krabi Police Station yesterday, though it has yet to be confirmed whether he has been arrested or charged with a crime.

During the capsizing, Israeli tourist Nissim Lugasi, 26, drowned when he became trapped under the boat and fellow Israeli tourist Adam Berdichevsky had his left foot mangled by the boat’s propeller.

Mr Berdichevsky is recovering at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, but doctors there say it is too early to be sure whether the foot can be saved or will require amputation.

Clarifying other details about the incident, K. Suriya confirmed that the name of the vessel was Dream Catcher, not Jor Kingfisher, as was widely reported.

The the Phuket-registered vessel was formerly called Jor Kingfisher but its name was changed after K. Suriyan bought the boat, he explained.

Also, the boat was not on a trip from Phuket when it sank, he said. Rather, it was carrying 55 passengers and four crew on a day trip from Phi Phi Don Island to Maya Beach, most likely on a snorkeling trip, he added.

There were enough life jackets on board for all passengers, though some did not have time to put them on, K. Suriya said.

Marine Police divers have located the sunken vessel, now lying at a depth of about 30 meters. The depth will make salvage attempts difficult, but will not pose any danger to passing boats, he added.

At Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Mr Berdichevsky is in stable condition. However, his left leg and foot are being carefully monitored after a six-hour operation to repair bone and muscle tissue, and restore blood supply.

Assistant Hospital Director Dr Sompoch Nipakanont said, “We are trying our best to save the patient’s left foot, but we might have to amputate it because the injuries are severe.”

That the patient can still move the foot and that the tissue is still pink are cause for optimism, Dr Sompoch said. However, he added, “It is critical to prevent infection over the next 48 hours.”

Mr Berdichevsky was joined this morning by his girlfriend Hila Neemany, also Israeli, and shortly after his operation yesterday was visited by a representative from the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok.

His parents were expected to arrive in Phuket this evening.

Mr Berdichevsky’s treatment at the private hospital will be covered by his Israeli health insurance, hospital officials said.

Following the incident yesterday, the Embassy of Israel in Bangkok has opened a “situation room” at Tel: 02-204-9200 (from Israel, dial +66-2-204-9200).

So it was listed as being registered for 11 passengers.. Yet had 55 and 4 crew..

Until people start to get charged with crimes when tourists get injured nothing will change.

[Mav]

Safer to stay indoors.......Gogo Bars a good option.

[TV Channel 11]

Interview - Dr Somepoch Nipakanont, Assistant Hospital Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket, about treatment of an injured Israeli passenger on sunken diving boat

To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews

Our interview is with Dr Somepoch Nipakanont, Assistant Hospital Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket, about their emergency treatment on Tuesday for Adam Berdichevsky, an injured Israeli passenger on a sunken diving boat, near Phi Phi, who was taken to BHP. He underwent an operation on his legs, injured by a boat propeller, is conscious & recovering well, as the doctor told us more:
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Interview for Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) 8.30am + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket & Phuket Cable TV Channel 1 at 7, 10.30 or 11pm, Thursday 6 September 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com