TRAT, Thailand – A major marine emergency unfolded off the coast of Koh Kood on November 20 after a passenger ferry carrying 97 tourists suffered a sudden hull breach and began sinking in open water.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. while the vessel was en route from Koh Kood to the mainland in Trat province. Water reportedly began flooding into the lower deck, forcing the captain to issue an immediate distress call as passengers scrambled for life jackets.
The Maritime Enforcement Command Center (MECC) quickly activated a large-scale rescue operation, deploying rescue boats, nearby fishing vessels, and local marine authorities to the scene. Strong coordination allowed responders to reach the stricken ferry within minutes and begin evacuating passengers.
Initial reports confirmed that 47 people were brought to safety during the first wave of rescue efforts. By 1:40 p.m., the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced that all 97 passengers had been safely evacuated, with no deaths or serious injuries reported.
Onshore teams prepared emergency reception areas to assist the rescued tourists, conducting health checks and arranging transport. Meanwhile, the ferry — partially submerged and listing heavily — remains the focus of salvage teams who are working to pump out water and prevent a complete sinking.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the hull breach, with officials expected to assess the ferry’s structural integrity and interview the crew once the situation stabilizes.
The swift multi-agency response is being credited for preventing what could have been a far more tragic incident.
