A BIG GROUP of Russian tourists and Thai divers and crew were all safely rescued after huge waves broke their catamaran in two as it was sailing back to Pattaya from a trip to Koh Larn this evening (Dec. 23), Matichon newspaper said.
At 6.30 p.m. Sawang Boriboon Foundation rescue centre was alerted of the catamaran having capsized in the middle of the sea approximately four nautical miles from Na Jomtien beach where Pattaya Park Hotel is located and quickly sent Pattaya City marine rescue team to bring them ashore.
The 27 Russian tourists and three Thai divers and crew of the boat, 18 men and 12 women, were all safely rescued but a Russian man and a Russian woman did get injured and were rushed to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.
It was initially reported that the twin-engine catamaran, Sea Boat, was bringing the tourists back to Pattaya from Koh Larn when high waves accompanied by strong wind gusts smashed the boat’s underside breaking it in half.
The tourists all jumped into the sea and clung to the boat’s parts but were rescued within 10 minutes.
Police will be investigating the cause of this capsize.
Meanwhile the Third Naval Area Command sent a helicopter to search for two people missing after their small diving boat sank off Phang Nga coast today but failed to find them.
The waves were high offshore Surin Islands but smooth nearer them with the winds too strong which posed an obstacle in searching for the victims.
The Thai navy’s patrol boat Tor. 995 will continue looking for the two victims all night till tomorrow.
It was also reported that another small diving boat had washed up on Koh Khiew off Krabi after it took on water upon being damaged at sea but all three crew members are safe on this island.
CAPTION:
Russian tourists after they were rescued from the sea off Na Jomtien beach this evening, Dec. 23, 2023. Photos: Matichon
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