When the Waves Took a Turn…
On the jolly day of July 12, 2018, Phuket’s shores witnessed a tragedy that has since become the most painful footnote in Thailand’s tourism history. A small passenger boat, affectionately named the Phoenix, sank in a choppy night, taking the lives of 46 people.
What Went Wrong?
The boat’s 101 passengers—truly a mix of 89 tourists (mostly from China) and a crew of a dozen hardworking Thais—found themselves in a storm that the vessel simply couldn’t handle. While the crew managed to rescue 42 passengers and all the crew, the rest of the ship was left sinking deep into the sea.
Why the Rescue Stopped
- Deep, dark waters –* Divers couldn’t reach the cargo.
- Squalling currents –* The sea was too rough for any safe salvage.
- Monsoon chaos –* Southern Thailand, especially its west coast, is known for sudden, wild squalls.
Police officer Teerapol Tipcharoen explained to reporters that a full rescue was off the table because the wheelwork was simply too deep and the currents were pounding like an angry drummer.
More Tears, Fewer Scratches
The captain’s name has now been thrust onto the docket of negligence, and he’s vehemently denying the law’s swing. The weather—ravenous and unforgiving—had been the party’s real villain.
Family Fails and Questions Raised
- Religious rites: A faithful ritual was braided with grief as families from China came to Phuket to pay respects.
- Identity crisis: Survivors were thrust into an emotional roller coaster, often struggling to confirm who they were looking at.
- “Should we have gone out?”: While the public debates how we should have navigated, the captain says, “I chose to sail, hoping for a good day.”
Loss in the Boardroom
Tourism jitters, anyone? The industry—accounting for 12% of the Southeast Asian economy—has survived many storms, but July 12’s river of tragedy does leave a sore spot.
“We found that 10 to 15 per cent of advance hotel bookings in Phuket were cancelled,” said tourism official Pongpanu Svetarundra.
Chinese Tourism Still Dashes Forward
Despite the sting, Chinese visitors continued to fill quotas. They accounted for a third of the 35 million record arrivals last year, and the Ministry says 2025 will see even more.
Staying Safe
Two other boats that capsized in the same area last week were fortunately rescued unharmed—less bad news than the unfortunate saga of the Phoenix.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes even a small boat can become a grand tragedy, reminding us that the sea isn’t just a backdrop for sunny holiday selfies. And while Phuket’s hotels are still baking in a continued wave of visitors, the waters—both literal and serious—must be respected lest we repeat the painful lesson of July 12.
