Ferry Disaster Family Lost Everything - Phuket Wan
PHUKET: Survivors of the burning and sinking of a Krabi to Phuket ferry last week may never be compensated for luggage or personal belongings lost in the disaster.
Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co, owners of the Ao Nang Princess 5, aim to pursue insurers for the money, a spokesperson said yesterday. The company did not hold comprehensive insurance.
Mr O'Leary met with the ferry company at Phuket airport a day or so ago. He was told that the company had coverage up to one million dollars for death or injury.
The boat itself was fully insured. But the possessions of passengers were not insured.
''We had everything we came with in our baggage - cellphones, iPads for the kids, a GoPro camera, presents to take home for friends . . . had I known there was no insurance I could have heaved our bags over the side and hoped they would float.''
While the family's passports survived, they were badly water-damaged and will have to be replaced quickly.
The family were relying on a police statement and the water-damaged passports to get through Immigration at Phuket International Airport last night.
Leanne: ''We had to add everything up and the total came to about $10,000. We lost jewellery, watches, shoes . . . it was unbelievable how fast the flames spread and how fast the ferry went down.
''We didn't know whether credit cards would work. We tried to exchange one $20 bill but it was still wet. The woman at the currency exchange in Jungceylon wouldn't take it.''
Mr O'Leary said he tried all the available numbers for the Canadian Embassy but could not raise anyone on the first day. After that, envoys and especially Phuket police had been extremely helpful.
Now the family want to have the cash as soon as possible to replace their possessions. The tragedy and lack of reimbursement so far reflects poorly on Thailand and its approach to tourism.
''They must know if someone was a day-tripper or a one-way ferry transfer. We lost as much as the rest of the holiday cost us in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
''Because of how it happened, they want to wait and see what's covered. My police report is all in Thai. I will have to pay to get that translated.
''Four passports have to be replaced. That's $800 to get the passports replaced. All of a sudden, it's a $15,000 replacement for what we've lost.