Situation in coastal Thailand and Phang-Nga Bay

Created by doina. Last modified on 2005-01-01 16:35:11
Topic: ASIA TSUNAMI
Countries: Thailand

Immediately after the tsunami hit we stayed at sea for 24 hours and then found safe anchorage to the north of Phi Phi island. We have spent the last 4 days sailing around the bay trying to help with boat salvage and clearing up. This is what we have found.

Phi Phi island is gone. On the 27th December all tourist were being evacuated as there is no water and sewage everywhere. The dead are still being uncovered in the rubble today. Only the large western hotels remain standing.

Further north Krabi town escaped largely unscathed although the hospital is chaos as the injured arrived in huge numbers. Food, water, fuel and ferries are still available.

East Railay has been washed away but the other beaches now have restaurants and hotels open for business. Some tourists still remain and the clear up operation is in full swing. The water is clean again and bottled water readily available.

Debris in the water has largely sunk now or been washed up on beaches, although great care should be taken when approaching shallow water due to sunken boats and infrastructures. Most yachts are advised to anchor well off the beaches in deep water.

Kerry Atkey