A collision occurred between a speedboat carrying numerous tourists and a fishing trawler off the Phi Phi Islands in southern Thailand. The Korawich Marine 888, with 55 passengers on board, was involved in the crash on a Sunday morning, leading to a large-scale rescue operation. Despite rescue efforts, an 18-year-old Russian tourist named Elizaveta S lost her life in the incident.
Local reports indicated that at least twelve individuals sustained injuries. One person was initially in critical condition and was transported to Phi Phi Hospital, while others received medical attention from paramedics before being transferred to hospitals in Phuket for further treatment.
The accident happened near Koh Gai Island, adjacent to the Phi Phi Islands, in the waters between Phuket and Krabi. Thai authorities and local media confirmed that the collision caused severe damage to the speedboat, resulting in it capsizing and sinking in the Andaman Sea. Fortunately, the fishing trawler, Pichai Samut 1, remained intact, and there were no reports of oil spills or environmental harm.
The Russian Consulate General in Phuket verified the tragic death of the young Russian woman and stated that they are in the process of obtaining information about other victims. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, focusing on factors such as speed, visibility, and navigation practices at the time. Although the incident occurred in Krabi Province waters, rescue and medical teams from Phuket promptly responded due to their close proximity and capability.
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 individuals on board. The southern Andaman coast of Thailand is a popular tourist boating region, especially during the peak winter season, with numerous speedboats operating daily between Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.
