Mr Christopher [last name withheld] from the UK contacted the 1155 Tourist Police Hotline on Thursday (Aug 11) to inform them that his longtail boat captain had lost consciousness during a sea trip, Phuket Tourist Police reported on Facebook.
Upon receiving the information, Tourist Police officers contacted the relevant authorities in Phang Nga, and a motor boat with medical personnel was dispatched to locate the long-tail boat and provide assistance.
It is understood that Mr Christopher provided the officials with GPS coordinates of the boat, which was adrift in some location in Phang Nga Bay, a 400 sqkm area between the island of Phuket and mainland Krabi. Phuket Tourist Police did not mention the exact method used, but GPS sharing is available in the “Tourist Police i lert u” application, promoted by Tourist Police as en emergency communication tool.
"As for the boat driver, he was taken to Koh Yao Hospital for further medical treatment. We thank all the parties that contributed to the safe return of the tourist back to the shore," Phuket Tourist Police concluded.
No information was provided regarding the specific details of what happened to the unnamed boatman or his condition after he was taken to Koh Yao Hospital.