Officials had to wait for tidal conditions before being able to safely recover the boat, Mr Natchapong explained.
The boat is now anchored in shallow water near Chalong Pier.
Mr Natchapong explained that once the water recedes, officials could inspect damage to the front of the boat. A significant hole is already visible, indicating the severity of the impact.
Mr Natchapong has assigned a team of officers to investigate the accident, which killed a 5-year-old Russian girl.
The aim of the investigation, which includes Marine Police, Wichit Police and Tourist Police, is to meticulously examine the ship’s condition, identify any defects and determine the exact cause of the accident, he said.
The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the collision, “ensuring a thorough examination of all parties involved, including seafarers and tourists, to establish a clear understanding of the incident’s cause”, said an official report of the gathering at the boat yesterday.
“As the investigation progresses, authorities remain committed to transparency and accountability, providing updates on the findings to the public. The collaborative efforts of the investigative team underscore the commitment to ensuring maritime safety and preventing future incidents in the region,” Mr Natchapong said.
However, reports by officials have yet to recognise any reports confirming that the boat captain, Natthaphong Kongwilai, had tested positive for methamphetamine use.
The omission of the reports of meth use by the speedboat captain comes in glaring contradiction of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday leading snap drug tests on captains and crew at Ratsada Pier yesterday, where one person tested positive for meth use.
The snap drug tests at Ratsada Pier followed snap drug tests at Chalong Pier the day after the fatal speedboat accident.