| Drama aboard Phi Phi Ferry

RECOVERY efforts have commenced off
Phuket’s coast after the vessel that operates
passenger transfer services to Phi Phi
Island started taking on water in heavy seas
yesterday, puncturing a hole in the hull.
The Puean Foong II had more than 100
tourists on board at the time, who were safely
unloaded onto a vessel rendering assistance,
with the damaged vessel towed back to
Phuket for repairs.
Managing director for Friendship Sea Tour,
who owns the boat, said the rear of the vessel
started filling with water but did not sink
entirely, with no injuries or deaths reported.