Divers on a rescue boat searched for victims amidst the chilling darkness of the Chao Phraya River after a heart-wrenching collision in the Phra Pradaeng district of Thailand’s Samut Prakan province on Saturday night.
SAMUT PRAKAN: Two lives were tragically lost, and two others were injured in a harrowing accident involving an actor’s jet ski and a motorboat. The unfortunate event took place around 9 pm, shattering the serene night on the river near Wat Bang Krachao Nok.
In the blink of an eye, the jet ski rammed into a small motorboat that was making its way across the river. The impact was devastating, sending the ferry’s 44-year-old passenger Parichat Hoiman and its 64-year-old driver Prayoon Uampathum plunging into the murky depths. They vanished into the river, leaving their loved ones and onlookers in agonizing suspense.
As hope waned, the rescue team brought in an echo sounder from Pathum Thani province. After a tense search, the lifeless bodies of Parichat and Prayoon were discovered nestled close to the sunken relics of their engine.
On the ill-fated jet ski, 17-year-old Nanyaree Minhongdee and her 41-year-old mother Onlada Silanong escaped with minor injuries, though they were left bruised and shaken by the ordeal. They were fortunate to have survived.
The jet ski driver, renowned actor Shindanai Sae Lim, was stricken with remorse. He explained that he couldn’t see the ferry crossing due to the lack of lights and the vehicles’ proximity, which left him no time to prevent the collision.
Shindanai recounted that he was navigating back from a delightful riverside eatery in Phra Pradaeng, bringing his girlfriend and her mother with him. They were part of a lively group of 11 people, all joyfully cruising back on five jet skis towards their pier in Chom Thong district, Bangkok, unaware of the impending tragedy.
Mongkolsawat Woenkrathok, 48, provided a spine-chilling eyewitness account. He and his wife had hired the ferry driver, an old acquaintance, to transport them from the Bang Krachao Nok bank to the Rama III bank. With a stroke of luck or perhaps destiny, Mongkolsawat narrowly survived the collision, a brush with death that will surely haunt him.
The tragic incident underscores the immense importance of adhering to safety regulations and ensuring visibility while navigating waterways. The loss of Parichat and Prayoon serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes perilous nature of life on the water.
This is so tragic. It’s hard to believe that a fun outing could turn deadly so fast.
Absolutely. People need to be more cautious, especially on water. It’s no joke.
It’s crazy that such a thing can happen because of a simple oversight. We need stricter rules!
Agreed. The authorities should enforce better lighting and safety measures on these vessels.
It’s not just about rules. People should have common sense. If you can’t see, slow down!
I feel for the victims’ families. No one should have to receive such news.
For sure. However, this actor needs to be held accountable. Just being remorseful isn’t enough.
Yes, remorse is just the start. Legal action must follow to ensure justice.
Let’s not forget that he might face charges. But sometimes accidents do happen, even with the best intentions.
Navigation accidents like this aren’t new. The river has always been risky, but modern technology should make it safer.
Echo sounders and GPS should be mandatory on all river vessels these days. It’s 2023 for crying out loud.
Even then, human error can still play a huge role. No tech can fix that entirely.
I don’t care if he’s famous. He should face the music like anyone else.
Totally. Fame should not be an excuse for leniency in such serious cases.
What about the people on the ferry? Were there any safety measures in place for them?
That’s a good point. It’s not fair to just blame the jet ski driver.
Exactly, ferries should also be equipped with proper lighting and safety protocols.
I hope this tragedy brings about better regulations and more awareness about river safety.
Regulations are good, but people need to keep their sense awake. Don’t rely solely on rules.
True, but regulations play a key role in shaping behavior and preventing accidents.
It’s such a horrific way to remind us of the importance of safety.
So sad! A 64-year-old man lost his life. How does one cope with such a loss?
The emotional toll on the families must be enormous. Support from the community is vital now.
Having traveled this river multiple times, I can say it’s quite risky at night without proper lights.
This accident sheds light on a bigger issue: river navigation at night. Authorities need to wake up!
River safety is often overlooked. We need both better rules and greater awareness among people.
This is where community efforts and government actions should meet. It’s all about collaboration.
Why weren’t there adequate lights on the ferry? That’s a major safety lapse!
Seems like a failure on multiple fronts. This is why regulations are crucial.
I bet the ferry operators rarely think about such tragic possibilities until it happens.
Heartbreaking. Hope authorities will take serious action to prevent such accidents in the future.
While the actor should face legal consequences, jet skis are notorious for being less safe around larger vessels.
Very true. This is a shared responsibility. Both parties need to be cautious on the water.
This story stuck with me. It’s a reminder of how fragile life is. Today we’re here, and tomorrow we’re not.
sounds like The Boss 2.0.
Boating at night is dangerous. Facts and data would help. did the small boat have lights? was the jet ski being driven in control? were both crafts in their respective lanes????