Quick summary: A privately operated ferry carrying passengers from Koh Kood to Trat developed a hull leak about halfway through the 40-kilometre crossing. The captain anchored the vessel amid rising waves and called for help. Nearby ferries, fishing boats and navy vessels evacuated 97 passengers and 10 crew within about an hour; no injuries were reported. The vessel was pumped out and towed to shore, and authorities are expected to investigate the cause.
Nearly 100 Evacuated After Ferry Springs Leak Returning from Koh Kood — No Injuries
Quick summary: A privately operated ferry carrying passengers from Koh Kood to Trat developed a hull leak about halfway through the 40-kilometre crossing. The captain anchored the vessel amid rising waves and called for help. Nearby ferries, fishing boats and navy vessels evacuated 97 passengers and 10 crew within about an hour; no injuries were reported. The vessel was pumped out and towed to shore, and authorities are expected to investigate the cause.
05:09 AM, 11/21/2025Society
Nearly 100 people were safely evacuated after a privately operated passenger ferry developed a hull leak while returning from Koh Kood to Trat city in eastern Thailand.
Officials from Trat province said crew members discovered a hole in the ferry’s hull roughly halfway through the 40-kilometre (25-mile) crossing in the Gulf of Thailand. With the sea conditions deteriorating and high waves reported, the captain anchored the vessel and called for assistance.
Swift rescue and recovery
Other ferry operators, nearby fishing boats and navy vessels responded and evacuated 97 passengers and 10 crew members within about an hour. Authorities reported no injuries. Thai media said water was pumped from the hull and the ferry was later towed to shore for further inspection and repairs.
Context
Koh Kood is a well-known destination for backpackers, honeymooners and luxury travelers, and Thailand’s islands continue to draw many visitors. While incidents at sea are uncommon, they do occur; the deadliest recent accident was in July 2018, when a boat sank in rough weather off Phuket, killing dozens of tourists.
Officials have not publicly announced the cause of the hull damage. Local authorities are expected to investigate the incident and review the vessel’s condition and safety procedures.