One dead, 22 injured after speedboat, fishing vessel collide near Thailand's Phi Phi Islands

A speedboat and a fishing vessel collided near Thailand's Phi Phi Islands on Sunday morning, leaving one dead and 22 injured, with 55 people thrown into the sea.

The speedboat "Korawich Marine 888," carrying 52 tourists and three crew, was near Koh Gai Island in the Andaman Sea when it collided with the fishing vessel. The impact damaged the speedboat's bow, causing it to capsize and sink.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with passengers screaming and clutching each other, some holding onto family and others to stay afloat.

The injured include 19 foreign tourists and three Thai crew, with one initially in critical condition taken to Phi Phi Island Hospital before others were transferred to Phuket. Russian consul general in Phuket Ivanov confirmed an 18-year-old Russian woman died.

Thai authorities said the fishing vessel was undamaged and no oil spill or pollution occurred. They are investigating factors including speed, visibility and navigation.

The Phi Phi Islands area is one of Thailand's busiest tourist waterways, with numerous speedboats shuttling between Phuket, Krabi and nearby islands during peak season.