A collision occurred between a speedboat carrying numerous tourists and a fishing trawler near the Phi Phi Islands in southern Thailand. The speedboat, named Korawich Marine 888, was carrying 55 individuals when the incident took place on a Sunday morning, leading to an extensive rescue operation. Tragically, an 18-year-old Russian tourist identified as Elizaveta S lost her life despite rescue attempts.
Reports indicate that at least twelve people sustained injuries during the collision. One individual was initially in critical condition and was rushed to Phi Phi Hospital, while the remaining injured passengers received medical attention from paramedics before being transferred to hospitals in Phuket for further evaluation.
The accident occurred close to Koh Gai Island, in the waters between Phuket and Krabi, causing the speedboat’s bow to be ripped off, resulting in the vessel overturning and sinking in the Andaman Sea. Fortunately, the fishing trawler involved, Pichai Samut 1, remained undamaged, and there were no indications of environmental harm such as oil spills.
The Russian Consulate General in Phuket confirmed the unfortunate passing of the young Russian woman and stated that efforts were underway to gather information about the other victims. Officials are currently investigating the collision’s circumstances, focusing on factors like speed, visibility, and navigation procedures at the time of the incident.
While the nationalities of all passengers have not been officially disclosed, Russian media sources mentioned the presence of Russian-speaking tourists among those onboard. The southern Andaman coast of Thailand is a popular tourist boating region, particularly bustling during the winter season, with numerous speedboat services operating daily between Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.