A ferry traveling from Thailand’s popular tourist destination Koh Kut to the mainland in Trat Province encountered a serious mid-sea emergency on Thursday after a leak caused water to enter the vessel. Officials said the privately operated ferry was carrying nearly 100 people when the incident occurred during its 40-kilometre journey toward the provincial capital.
Rough sea conditions and high waves intensified the danger, prompting the crew to drop anchor and immediately alert authorities. Responding swiftly to the distress call, nearby ferry operators, local fishermen and Navy personnel rushed to the location and launched a coordinated rescue effort.
Within an hour, all 97 passengers and 10 crew members were safely evacuated and transported to shore, averting what could have been a major maritime disaster. The water inside the vessel was later pumped out, and the ferry was towed back to the coast for further inspection, officials added.