A network of speedboats spotted the boat moored to a buoy on the island’s southeastern side around 12pm on Sunday, reported The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center Region 3 (Thai MECC 3).
One person onboard, Canadian national Jonn Gregory Dyck, was reported to be in good health.
The case began on Saturday morning (May 3), when Mr Dyck departed Chalong Bay alone on Liliput, a 13-meter catamaran, bound for Koh Racha Yai.
His intended destination was unclear, with possibilities including Ao Tawan, Ao Bangkae or Ao Khon Kae.
Concerns arose when Mr Dyck’s relatives lost contact with him later that day.
On Sunday afternoon, at 2.40pm, the Phuket Tourist Police filed a missing vessel report with Thai MECC 3.
The family had also contacted the Canadian Embassy for assistance, fearing Mr Dyck may have encountered health issues at sea.
Marine Police traced the vessel’s navigation history and found that its last recorded coordinates were west of Koh Racha Yai at 9.30am on Sunday. Attempts to contact the boat via radio were unsuccessful.
Authorities quickly issued a call for assistance to nearby fishing boats, speedboats and other marine traffic to be on the lookout.
By 7pm that evening, reports came in from the local speedboat network confirming the vessel’s location at Koh Racha Noi, with no visible signs of damage.
Further checks confirmed that Liliput was built in Indonesia in 2009 and registered in Langkawi, Malaysia, in 2019.
Mr Dyck had entered Thailand aboard the vessel on Mar 7 and was due to leave the country or renew his visa by yesterday (May 5).
The Marine Police Region 3 is continuing to monitor the situation to ensure Mr Dyck returns safely to shore and complies with immigration regulations.