33 Chinese tourists saved from sinking catamaran off Phuket

According to CCTV News, today (Jan. 13), a catamaran sailing yacht carrying 33 Chinese tourists and five staff members (including two local tour guides and three crew members) suffered a hull inletting situation about 1.6 nautical miles north of Koh Racha Yai at 12.30 pm, Thailand, causing the boat to gradually sink and capsize.

According to a catamaran manager, identified as Ef, the vessel was leaving Koh Racha Yai for Koh Hey with 33 Chinese tourists on board when a glass window on its right side became detached and waves flowed into the vessel. The catamaran sank in about 20 minutes. 

In the end, all the people on board were rescued and there were no casualties.

According to local rescuers, a key factor in the success of the rescue was that all the tourists on board were wearing life jackets in accordance with safety regulations.

Marine officials were investigating the cause of the incident.

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