Samui –
Passengers on a ferry from Donsak to Samui Island suffered a major scare after the boat engine malfunctioned for more than two hours.
Mr. Om-In Limsuwan, who was one of the passengers on the ferry told the Phuket Express that on Thursday night (July 27th), the ferry departed from a pier in Donsak at 7:00 P.M.. The arrival on Koh Samui was scheduled for 8:30 P.M.. At about 8:00 P.M., the ferry engine failed which meant the electricity on the ferry was also shut off. The ferry was between the Fourth Island and Fifth Island at the time of the malfunction.
All staff on the ferry were wearing life jackets and asked all passengers to go up on the top deck of the ferry as there were many strong waves at that time. Many passengers were reportedly scared and crying, said Limsuwan.
After more than two hours another ferry from Samui heading to Donsak helped to pull the malfunctioned ferry with ropes to Samui. During the way the ropes broke once before it was repaired and towed again. The ferry arrived on Samui Island at 11:30 P.M..
Passengers are asking for the relevant authorities to check every ferry has been serviced for safety before use.
It was unclear if the passengers were getting any sort of financial compensation or refund for the incident from relevant authorities.
