Severe weather had made it impossible for the foreign tourists to make the journey safely back to Phuket, the Third Area Command, based at Cape Panwa, reported late this afternoon (Sept 18).
Heavy rain and strong winds created waves up to four metres high, preventing the arrival of tourist boats, the Navy noted in its brief report.
In response to the situation, the Third Naval Area Command deployed personnel from the Marine Security Unit, along with the vessel T-111, to carry out what it called a “rescue mission”.
After receiving a request for assistance, naval forces successfully evacuated all tourists, bringing them safely to Phuket Deep Sea port.
The operation was completed smoothly, and no injuries were reported, the Third Area Command noted.