On January 11th 2026, an unfortunate maritime collision in Thailand's Andaman Sea took the life of an 18 year old Russian tourist and injured 22 others when their tourist speedboat collided with a local fishing trawler.
Andaman Sea Collision Near Koh Phi Phi
At approximately 9:10 a.m. local time near Koh Khiao between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi in Krabi province, an incident took place. A speedboat identified as Korawich Marine 888 (registration 665100308 and gross tonnage 23.18 tons), carrying foreign tourists between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands collided with an active fishing vessel trawling in this busy tourist corridor.
After the collision, passengers were thrown into the sea with some being injured on board, before their speedboat capsized and sank, all wearing life jackets for easy rescue efforts by crew from fishing vessel. No injuries were reported from this event nor was any body trapped within sunken craft.
Vice Admiral Veerudong Muangchin, Director of Maritime Security Command Region 3, oversaw this multi-agency response. Rescue operations involved Phuket Tourist Assistance Center vessels, Pearl Centre vessels and Krabi Provincial Command were mobilized immediately for rescue missions.
22 injured passengers (comprising both crew and tourists) were evacuated to Koh Phi Phi for initial treatment using boats and the ferry Khaimook, with no additional incidents during transport back ashore. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation provided logistical support in this effort.
Kritphet Chaiyachue, Director-General of Marine Department Region 5, confirmed details at 9:30 am and provided emergency care for survivors at Koh Phi Phi Hospital. Provincial Disaster Mitigation officials reported the collision at 8:55 am and promptly dispatched two rescue boats for emergency rescue efforts.
Following this incident, the Marine Department conducted intensified inspections for operators in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga regions. Urgent meetings were convened to enhance tourist safety amid heavy tourist traffic; damage assessments on both vessels are currently taking place while assistance will be given to the family of deceased tourist.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges between commercial tour operations and local fishing activities that share waterways, prompting regulatory measures to prevent future casualties in one of Southeast Asia's busiest maritime tourist zones.