A catamaran carrying 38 people sank during a tourist trip off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, prompting a swift rescue effort by nearby vessels.
The Ameray 888 began taking on water through a dislodged starboard window shortly after departing from Ko Racha Yai Island around 12:30 PM on January 13.
Despite attempts to manage the situation, the vessel rapidly filled with seawater and disappeared beneath the surface within 20 minutes, approximately 1.6 nautical miles from the shore.
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Valued at £376,890 (THB 16 million), the 44.39-gross-ton catamaran was on its way to Koh Hey when it issued a distress call.
Onboard were 33 Chinese tourists, a tour guide, an intern, and three crew members.
All passengers were equipped with life vests, which proved critical to ensuring their survival as they awaited rescue.
Responding to the emergency, nearby boats, including the Maliwan fishing vessel and the Rhapsody tour boat, arrived at the scene to assist.
Nachapong Pranit, director of the Phuket Regional Harbour Office, credited the mandatory life jacket policy for the safe recovery of all onboard, stating, “The mandatory life jacket policy proved crucial.
All passengers were wearing life jackets when the emergency occurred, allowing them to stay safely afloat until rescue arrived.”
While most passengers escaped unharmed, some sustained minor injuries and were taken to Chalong Pier, where a response team, including translators, was ready to assist.
The Chinese consulate was promptly informed of the incident.
The Ameray 888, registered in October 2014, was operating under a valid license set to expire in April 2025, according to reports by vknews24.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the sinking.
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SOURCE: Catamaran sinks during tourist trip as 38 people rescued from sea
