About 130 tourists, primarily Chinese, were rescued from Racha Yai Island, near Phuket, after being stranded due to adverse weather conditions. The tourists had been unable to return to Phuket because rough seas and strong winds prevented speedboats from reaching the island.
After receiving an urgent call for help, the Royal Thai Navy dispatched a coastal patrol vessel to retrieve the tourists. A navy officer involved in the operation noted that the rescue was challenging due to high waves, but confirmed that all tourists were brought safely back to shore.
Authorities have issued a warning advising small boats to avoid venturing into the sea from [date] through [date], as a tropical depression is expected to cause heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions in the Andaman Sea. Despite these warnings, some tour boat operators have continued their services, raising safety concerns.
The Navy’s swift response highlights the importance of adhering to weather advisories to ensure the safety of both tourists and local operators.
