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Published on September 5, 2007

The boat, returning to Phi Phi Island after a diving trip, was reported to be carrying far too many passengers when it encountered heavy seas and sank early afternoon after being hit by a huge wave.

Some 59 passengers were thrown into the sea when the vessel capsized.

A 33-year-old Israeli tourist, Nissim Lugasi, was found dead while another tourist, Adam Benebjakee, had his legs severed by the boat's propeller.

"Nissim Lugasi died because his body was trapped under the roof of the boat after it was hit by huge waves and capsized," Police Lieutenant Colonel Jampa Sawakhon told Agence France-Presse by telephone from Krabi.

The remaining passengers - including a four-month pregnant tourist Sarah Goldman, 22 - were eventually rescued and taken to Bangkok-Phuket Hospital.

Muang Krabi Deputy Superintendent, Pol Lt Col Somdej Sukkarn said the boat owner - identified only as "Loh" - was entirely at fault as he had allowed the boat to carry 59 passengers when it was only allowed to carry 15. There were 27 male and 28 female tourists and four crew members, including the pilot, on the boat when the accident occurred.

Provincial disaster pre-

vention chief Talerngsak Phuwayanapong said the office had warned all boat companies about strong winds and waves in the Andaman Sea.

Krabi Marine Transport Office Chief Suriya Kitti-

monthon said the boat owner could not claim insurance as he had broken the law by taking too many passengers and therefore must take all responsibility.

The Phuket-registered boat was bought by Loh to use at Koh Yao and Phi Phi Island and was at the time serving as a back-up boat for Blue Sky Co.

The Nation