Phuket tourists injured as waves swamp Phi Phi tour boat

PHUKET: Six tourists were injured when a tour boat heading to the Phi Phi Islands (view here) was struck by large waves as it crossed Phang Nga Bay this morning.

The boat, which departed from Chalong at about 10am, was carrying 40 tourists from Australia, Indonesia and China, an officer at the Tourist Rescue Center at Chalong Pier (map here) told the Phuket Gazette.

“The boat encountered strong waves about 30 minutes after leaving the pier. Some of the tourists on board lost their balance and were injured.

“Six tourists suffered injuries to their legs and backs, and one suffered a cut on the ear,” the officer said.

Realizing his passengers needed medical attention, the boat driver returned to Chalong Pier and the six who were injured were taken to Phuket International Hospital.

A representative from Andawaree Co Ltd, the company that operates the boat, told the Gazette that the tourists’ medical expenses would be covered by the company insurance.

“We have insurance to cover every passenger in case of an accident,” he said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong