4 students and instructor die in Thailand when boat capsizes

[SoFlaDiver954]

This was not a diving incident per se, but tragic either way.

CHUMPHON — Four members of a group who headed out from Bangkok to learn scuba diving died Wednesday night along with one instructor after their boat capsized during a heavy rainstorm in the Gulf of Thailand.

The bodies of four women and one man, all in their 30s and 40s, were recovered from under the vessel near Koh Ngam Yai early Thursday following several hours of searching by marine police.

According to Col. Paisarn Sangtep of Pak Nam Chumphon police, the five people were among a group of 13 people, scuba diving students and instructors, who hired a boat to go out into the sea for a diving and undersea photography lessons.

The boat was operating in the gulf despite a foul weather advisory that small vessels should stay ashore. Paisarn said the boat’s operators would be charged for recklessness resulting in death.

The five victims were Mahassana Kanchanapakorn, Teechaya Methamongkol, Chandara Tubchan, Thapanee Vorawatanakul and Sumassana Sutthanurak. Wednesday was to be the third day of their lessons.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Sounds tragic and pretty avoidable. Instructors, as well as boats, should be responsible enough to check weather and postpone for safety too. Though i feel divers also need to take personal responsibility and call off leaving port for weather, students often just dont know any better.

 

[boulderjohn]

I found this article that gives more information but suggests it was a snorkeling excursion.
Five die when snorkelling boat sinks in storm

 

[MikeyIdea]

This was a dive trip, not a snorkelling trip. 4 female students and one male instructor died, all found inside the boat

The usual thing more or less. There was an official weather warning that small boats should stay ashore in effect. Some operators are serious about safety and decide to call off like this timely post BB divers Koh Chang, (I don't dive with them, they are just a good sample), others accept the safety risk but it is not only because they see the money like most westerners think, it's also because the problems a cancellation would cause the passengers. This dive operator was Thai managed of course. The boat had an engine failure and capsized

Thai newspapers report that the police said the boat operator will be charged with recklessness causing death

 

[Pixelator]

Very sad situation. Condolences to the families and friends.