12 injured after tourist boat hits Sathorn pier pontoon

Twelve people, including five foreign tourists, were injured when a double-decker tourist boat struck a floating pontoon at Sathorn pier near Saphan Taksin BTS station in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon.

Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation rushed to the pier in Yannawa area of Sathorn district after being alerted at about 1.10pm.

They found the tourist boat, the Riva Express 2, with visible collision damage to its starboard bow. The impact also damaged the pier’s stainless-steel railing.

Of the 12 injured passengers, five sustained minor injuries and were administered first aid at the scene. The seven other injured passengers were sent to various hospitals. Among them were five foreign tourists who suffered abrasions to their arms and legs and were taken to Samitivej Chinatown Hospital. Two Thai passengers were sent to Lerdsin Hospital. 

Arun Siripirom, 62, the boat’s driver, said the vessel developed a mechanical problem while he was transporting tourists to Asiatique pier. He said he lost steering control before the boat rammed into the pier.

Passengers who were not holding onto the boat’s railing were struck down and injured, he said.

Mr Arun added that he continued to Sathorn pier to drop off the tourists before rescue workers arrived to take the injured to hospital.

A rescue volunteer provides first aid to an injured passenger. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)

Rescue workers from the Ruamkantanyu Foundation take injured passengers to nearby hospitals. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)