Dive boat capsized near Phi Phi

[Traminer]

There are reports that the Kingfisher just capsized off Koh Phi Phi in bad weather. It was carrying divers who appear to be on a LOB. One Israeli diver has drowned and there are two other casualties.. one in critical condition.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1188392531728&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull

Its worrying how dive ops are still running their boats in the low season... maybe because tourist season wasn't so good this year due to the coral death.

 

[Rick Murchison]

The article refers to a capsized ferry with 60 pax on a day trip.
No mention of divers.
Rick

 

[Bubble Junky]

It was carrying divers............One Israeli diver has drowned

Where did you get this info from - the article doesn't mention divers.

Its worrying how dive ops are still running their boats in the low season... .

on the ferry there were about 60 tourists on a day tour of seven Thai beaches.

It's a ferry not a dive boat !!

 

[MoonWrasse]

Where did you get this info from - the article doesn't mention divers.

It's a ferry not a dive boat !!

No, it's a LAB, advertised at 12 pax max.
" M/V Kingfisher : is a purpose built dive boat taking a maximum of 12 persons"
http://kingfisherdiving.com/ourboatshop.htm


From the Phuket Gazette:
"The boat was returning to Koh Phi Phi Don from a diving trip, said Suriya Kitimonthon, chief of Krabi Marine Office.

Fifty-five tourists were out diving when Suriyan Sroyson, captain and owner of the Jor Kingfisher, noticed dark clouds beginning to form and called the divers back to the boat, said K. Suriya explained."

http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/index.asp?id=5937

 

[Skeeter1097]

I did not see a vessel at king fish that held 55 divers. The ferry held that and there is a photo. I think ferry, Or two deferent stores.

 

[limbo]

More information from The Nation Newspaper

 

[Bubble Junky]

No, it's a LAB, advertised at 12 pax max.
" M/V Kingfisher : is a purpose built dive boat taking a maximum of 12 persons"
http://kingfisherdiving.com/ourboatshop.htm

Muang Krabi Deputy Superintendent, Pol Lt Col Somdej Sukkarn said the boat owner - identified only as "Loh" - was entirely at fault as he had allowed the boat to carry 59 passengers when it was only allowed to carry 15.

Maybe I was wrong. Lots of differing info flying about.

 

[MoonWrasse]

Overloading of Thai vessels isn't that unusual, even in rough seas, although 3x to 4x seems a tad excessive even in Thailand.

Unfortunately neither are drownings nor sinkings there.

 

[stevenl]

Its worrying how dive ops are still running their boats in the low season... maybe because tourist season wasn't so good this year due to the coral death.

Agree with you that it is very sad what happened. At the moment it is still unclear to me what happened exactly, if it was the King Fisher liveaboard mentioned earlier, I would not be surprised: overloaded, and last time I saw the boat it needed quite some time in the dry dock.

Your conclusion though here is out of line. Diving in the low season is fine here and very safe, just as in high season. Of course, the boat has to be in good running order, and taking 60 people on a boat that is licensed to take 15 is asking for trouble.

We had people out yesterday, who had a lovely time, with excellent weather conditions.

 

[Traminer]

Dag Steve... the Nation seems to have it down as the Kingfisher who was licensed to carry only 16 people. The report says the boat was returning to Phi Phi after a dive trip in Maya Bay. The deceased was a diver who was on his honeymoon:

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/05/headlines/headlines_30047781.php

More discussion here:
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=140854

I agree that it should be fine diving in the low season if weather is ok... but its just crazy how 60 people can dive off a boat rigged only for 16.