One missing, eight rescued after boat sinks - Koh Noo, Thailand

[DandyDon]

Eight rescued, one missing after boat sinks off Songkhla

SONGKHLA: One person is missing and eight others were rescued when a speedboat carrying a team of divers capsized off Koh Noo, about one kilometre from Laem Samila beach, in Muang district on Saturday morning.

www.bangkokpost.com

SONGKHLA: One person is missing and eight others were rescued when a speedboat carrying a team of divers capsized off Koh Noo, about one kilometre from Laem Samila beach, in Muang district on Saturday morning.

Marine police and Muang Songkhla municipal officials dispatched boats to the island in the Gulf of Thailand after being alerted at around 9am.

Eight people — seven divers and the boat driver — were safely rescued and taken to a pier in Singha Nakhon district of Songkhla, said police.


The search operation was continuing for the missing diver, identified only as Praderm. Authorities also asked the Mittraparb Samakkhi rescue foundation to send divers to help with the search.

The speedboat was carrying a team of divers to search for an anchor on the seabed near Koh Noo. Strong wind and waves hit the boat, causing it to sink, said a police source.

Diving equipment also sank with the speedboat.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Sounds awful, I hope they find the missing diver well but it sounds like an unfortunate outcome

 

[DandyDon]

You'll notice on the photo of the search boat that they're all wearing flotation vests. Why do divers not?

 

[Bob DBF]

You'll notice on the photo of the search boat that they're all wearing flotation vests. Why do divers not?

Well usually, I'm in a wetsuit. If not, with no railings, as in the picture, I'd be finding one, or find a nice safe spot. I've spent enough time on boats so I'm not too proud to put on a jacket.

 

[clownfishsydney]

You'll notice on the photo of the search boat that they're all wearing flotation vests. Why do divers not?

The question is really why do they have on? Answer is that this appears to be Royal Thai Navy, so they will have internal rule that lifejackets are required at all times in small boats. We have the same rule when I go on NSW Marine Rescue boats, no matter where we are. Also, as mentioned, most divers have wetsuits on so have some buoyancy and also could grab BCD and use that too.

 

[Bob DBF]

...and also could grab BCD and use that too.

Life jackets are dependant on your personal preferences, where you are located in the boat, conditions, and what the skipper requires.

Under certain conditions I require people to wear life jackets on my boat. When some say I can just grab one, I just ask how well they can grab one and swim when unconscious. The bigger issue is that many passengers have no ability to determine what conditions may be dangerous and how to prepare for their own safety.

 

[MtnDiverColorado]

You'll notice on the photo of the search boat that they're all wearing flotation vests. Why do divers not?

I suppose if the conditions were such that I was concerned about being thrown out of the boat I would. Of course, if the conditions were that bad, I probably would just not dive that die, making it irrelevant.

 

[Pearlman]

So do divers get insurance payout for their expensive scuba gear and personal items? How do you prove the value of goods lost on board?

 

[divinh]

On a slow boat, I probably wouldn't feel it necessary to be wearing a life jacket the whole time, but speedboat, likely yes, as they bounce a lot.

I suspect for insurance reimbursement, receipts would be needed, but some insurance will only reimburse for "current" value, so a list of items and current pricing for "same" or "equivalent".

 

[DandyDon]

On a slow boat, I probably wouldn't feel it necessary to be wearing a life jacket the whole time, but speedboat, likely yes, as they bounce a lot.

I've been visiting Cozumel for 20 years and have dived from fast boats in a few other countries and a dozen US locations. I've never noticed any other divers wear one.

I suspect for insurance reimbursement, receipts would be needed, but some insurance will only reimburse for "current" value, so a list of items and current pricing for "same" or "equivalent".

Receipts are challenging to produce. I have used website links on claims. You'd have to have Trip or Personal Articles insurance, and I have received payments from both. Home insurance deductibles are too big to claim on those unless you have a rider specifically for the items.