Collision off Phuket: Cargo ship hits yacht – no injuries!
A cargo ship collided with a yacht near Phuket. Luckily there were no injuries. Details of the incident on October 17, 2025.

Collision off Phuket: Cargo ship hits yacht – no injuries!
The waters around Phuket remain a hot topic! On October 17, 2025, a collision occurred between a cargo ship and a foreign yacht in international waters in the early hours of the morning. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. when the sailing yacht, which was drifting unusually close to the cargo ship, appeared to be suffering from control problems. The cargo ship's captain used the horn to warn the sailor, but he was unable to regain control. Luckily, no injuries were reported, so both crews remained safe.
Initial assessments of the situation show only minor damage to both ships, and there was no environmental disaster as there were no leaks or fuel spills. The cargo ship, which regularly carries out transport between Phuket and Koh Yao, continued its operations shortly after the incident. However, local maritime officials responded immediately and dispatched a patrol boat to the scene of the accident to ensure safety and initiate an initial investigation. A Marine Department spokesman said relevant authorities will conduct a comprehensive review of navigation procedures and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Security situation and challenges at sea
The collision is not the only incident that has brought maritime safety into focus in the waters around Phuket. The tour boat Poseidon recently suffered the same fate with critical engine failure. In the afternoon the boat started taking on water between Koh Yao and Koh Khiao. The crew acted quickly and informed authorities, resulting in an impressive rescue operation. Five foreign tourists were evacuated to Chalong Pier unharmed and the marine department was investigating the boat's mechanical failure. Since then, illegalities and deficiencies in the maintenance of ships have been discussed and calls for stricter safety precautions.
Another point of concern is the upcoming peak season, as traffic congestion in popular tourist waters could lead to an increase in such incidents. The authorities ask all boat operators, both commercial and private, to be highly vigilant and to strictly adhere to navigation recommendations.
Travel recommendations for Phuket
For travelers planning to visit Phuket, it remains important to stay informed about the current security situation in Thailand. The tense situation in some regions of the country, combined with the risk of terrorist attacks, shows that vigilant travelers are needed. Subscribe to the newsletter or use the “Sicher Reisen” app to always stay up to date.
As auswaertiges-amt.de notes, vacationers should also pay attention to appropriate travel health insurance coverage and find out about the entry requirements. Even while traveling, it is advisable to regularly follow news and take safety precautions if necessary.
It remains to be seen how the investigation into the various maritime incidents on Phuket progresses. The hope is that with improved safety measures, both residents and tourists can enjoy the region's beauty without worry.