Phuket, Sept 19 (TNA) – The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai- MECC) has successfully rescued 143 Chinese and Russian tourists stranded on Koh Racha Yai island and transported them safely back to the mainland.
Joint efforts by the Thai- MECC and the 3rd Naval Area Command were involved in the operation. Tourists, including children, women, and the elderly, along with their luggage, were safely boarded onto the T.111 vessel and transported from Koh Racha Yai to Phuket.
Rear Admiral Phuchong Rodnikorn, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Naval Area Command, revealed that a total of 143 tourists were rescued, with 138 of them being Chinese nationals. The remaining tourists were from Russia and the Middle East. They had been vacationing on Koh Racha Yai since September 15th but were unable to return to the mainland due to strong waves of 3-4 meters.
Hotel operators on Koh Racha Yai had urgently requested assistance from the authorities after realizing the tourists were stranded and needed immediate help. The tourists were scheduled to return to their home countries.
A rescued Chinese tourist expressed relief and gratitude to the Thai authorities for their swift rescue, stating that they had been worried about missing their flights. The hotel had informed them that the sea conditions were too rough for boats to operate.
Mr. Li Chenglong, Head of the Chinese Consulate-General in Songkhla, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Thai government for its assistance to Chinese citizens. Although the incident was caused by natural factors beyond human control, the Thai authorities were able to effectively address the situation, ensuring the safety of all Chinese tourists. -819 (TNA)
