Understanding about Buoyancy Aid and Life Vest, According to an Investigation on Boat Traveling Injury in Chon Buri, November 2013

Abstract

Backgrounds: On 3^rd November 2013, Bureau of Epidemiology (BoE) was notified that a boat traveling back from Koh Larn crashed in Pattaya, Chon Buri. At least 6 deaths and 16 people with severe injuries were reported. The investigation team was sent out immediately in order to determine epidemiological characteristic of the injuries, identify potential risk factors associated with severity of injury and provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of injury prevention.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted, and all medical records of injuries and casualties were reviewed. Interviews were held with patients, crew, heath volunteers, staff from Department of Disease Prevention and Mitigation, officers from Marine Department, and the director of Pattaya Business and Tourism Association. An environmental observation was conducted by observing boat transportation services between Pattaya and Koh Larn in 2 difference days during November 2013.
Results: Medical records of 37 injured patients, including 7 deaths at Bangkok Pattaya, Samitivej Sriracha, Bangla mung and Paolo Memorial hospitals, were reviewed. About 59% were males and median age was 31.5 years. Nationality were Thai 75%, Russia 11%, and China 8%. Major diagnoses were muscle strain (13 cases), aspiration pneumonia (7 cases), and submersion injury (5 cases). The casualties consisted of 3 Thai, 1 Hongkongese, 2 Russians and 1 Chinese. During environmental survey, there were no visible overcapacity monitored, buoyancy aid; were not appropriate or enough, and there are no clear procedure for emergency situation on the boat.
Conclusions: Several factors below standard can precipitate fatal injury after boat accident. Obvious evidences found were overcapacity and inappropriate buoyancy aid.