Nine women injured in Pattaya speedboat collision near Bali Hai Pier

Nine women, including two Russian nationals and one Ukrainian, were injured when a passenger speedboat collided with a two-deck fishing boat near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya on Monday night (November 9).

The collision left both vessels damaged, with the speedboat sustaining extensive damage to its left side before gradually sinking into the sea.

The injured comprised six Thai women, two Russian women and one Ukrainian woman. Most suffered abrasions and were shaken by the incident.

Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting the injured to hospitals in Pattaya.

Speedboat found sinking after collision

Pattaya City's marine disaster prevention radio centre received a report of the accident at approximately 11pm near Laem Bali Hai Pier, in Moo 10 of Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.

Officers from Pattaya City Police Station were dispatched to the scene alongside marine rescue personnel and volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation.

Rescuers found a two-deck fishing boat with damage to its hull. Approximately 100 metres away, a passenger speedboat had sustained severe damage along its left side and was gradually sinking.

Marine rescue teams worked with local boat operators to evacuate passengers and assist those injured in the collision.

Fishing boat skipper describes collision

A fishing boat skipper identified by the pseudonym Pong told investigators that he had been taking customers on a fishing trip when the accident occurred.

According to his account, the vessel was passing the breakwater near Laem Bali Hai Pier with its navigation lights operating normally.

He claimed that a speedboat suddenly approached at high speed, prompting him to slow his vessel in an attempt to avoid a collision.

Despite his efforts, the speedboat struck the bow of the fishing boat.

The impact then caused the speedboat to swing around, with its stern striking the fishing boat's bow a second time.

The collision caused substantial damage to both vessels and left several people injured.

Police investigate cause of accident

Preliminary police inquiries found that the speedboat had been transporting tourists from a restaurant boat back to shore at Bali Hai Pier.

It was carrying 27 Thai and foreign passengers, along with a driver and one crew member, bringing the total number of people on board to 29.

The speedboat driver initially told police that he had not seen the fishing boat before the collision.

Investigators have not yet established the cause of the accident.

Police plan to question those involved from both vessels and review CCTV footage, physical evidence and the condition of the boats to determine how the collision occurred.

Any further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.