Speedboat Collision Near Phuket Leaves Two Tourists Dead, Six Injured As Rescue Boats Rush To Scene

Phuket, Thailand— Two tourists were killed and six others injured after two speedboats collided near Phuket on November 1, 2026, in the latest deadly incident involving marine tourism in southern Thailand.

The collision happened around 9:30 a.m. near the Phi Phi Islands route, a busy corridor for day tours. One speedboat was carrying 12 tourists to Maya Bay. The other was returning empty to Phuket after dropping off passengers. Both were traveling fast when they met near a narrow channel between limestone cliffs.

Marine police said the empty boat struck the tourist boat on the port side, throwing several passengers overboard. Two died at the scene from head injuries. Six others, including a child, were taken to hospitals in Phuket with fractures and cuts. The rest were rescued by nearby tour boats.

"We had calm sea but heavy boat traffic. The captains apparently did not see each other in time. Speed is a factor," a Phuket Marine Police officer said at the pier. He said both captains are in custody for questioning and blood alcohol tests were ordered.

Speedboat accidents are common around Phuket. Operators compete for tourists, often overloading boats and skipping safety briefings. Life jackets are sometimes not worn. Enforcement of speed limits in national park areas is weak.

Tourism officials said the dead were foreign nationals, one from Europe and one from Asia. Their names have not been released pending embassy notification. The injured include three foreigners and three Thais, including a guide.

Rescue teams from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center deployed patrol boats and divers. They checked for additional victims and towed the damaged boats to Chalong Pier for inspection. Fuel spill was minimal.

The Governor of Phuket ordered a temporary halt to speedboat departures to Phi Phi for the afternoon. He said an audit of all licensed operators will be conducted. The Ministry of Tourism said it will review insurance coverage for victims.

Relatives of injured tourists arrived at Phuket International Hospital Saturday afternoon. The hospital said surgeries were completed for two patients with leg fractures. Others were stable.

The investigation will examine GPS logs, engine throttle data and witness statements. Officials said charges for reckless navigation causing death are likely.

The speedboat route reopened late Saturday under speed restrictions. Operators were warned to reduce speed in narrow passages.