It is believed that strong northeasterly monsoon winds were responsible for the catamaran, Honky Cat, dragging its anchor. Luckily it hit no other vessels in the vicinity.
Speaking to The Phuket News, dinghy driver John Priestly said, “We were out on my dinghy at Yanui Beach when we noticed the cataraman drifting further out to sea, dragging its anchor.
“It had already got close to a couple of boats but luckily it didn’t hit them.
“We managed to get to the Honky Cat and rope it to the dinghy, but our 15-horsepower engine was proving fruitless against the strong winds and we were unable to move it.
“Luckily, a Thai fishing trawler was anchored nearby and saw us struggling with the catamaran and came over and offered us a line, and with all its trawling ‘grunt’ had no problem towing the boat to safety.
“I would like to thank the fishermen for their alertness, initiative, and quick action in helping with the rescue, and saving the day.
“If they hadnĚ•t come to our aid, that boat could well have ended up in India.”
For more about Honky Cat, see here.