- An inter-island ferry in Thailand lost passengers' luggage overboard on a rough sea route
- An Australian traveller filmed several bags floating in the Gulf of Thailand during the incident
- Luggage was unsecured on the upper deck and was swept into the sea amid choppy conditions
An inter-island ferry ride in Thailand turned into a distressing experience for tourists after their luggage was swept into the sea mid-journey. The incident occurred on the Koh Tao-Koh Samui route, a stretch known for rough waters, especially during the rainy season. A video filmed by an Australian traveller on board shows multiple bags floating in the choppy Gulf of Thailand. The incident has raised questions about luggage handling and safety practices on ferries operating in the region.
Australian traveller Alice Zamparelli, from Perth, was travelling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui on Sunday, November 23, when she noticed her own suitcase drifting past the ferry. Her video on TikTok shows several suitcases and backpacks bobbing in the water as the ferry moved ahead despite the accident. As reported by the Daily Mail, the luggage had been kept unsecured on the upper deck and was dislodged when the sea turned rough.
Zamparelli captioned her post: "Lost all our luggage because of incompetent crew members."
Compensation Issues Reported By Travellers
Zamparelli said she eventually received 50,000 baht (around 1,100 pounds) after repeatedly demanding compensation. However, she added that many other passengers were either offered less or received no compensation at all, with some also missing their flights because of the delay.
She did not recover her belongings. In comments on TikTok, she claimed staff underestimated the value of the lost luggage: "They were fully convinced a suitcase could not be worth more than 20,000 baht, when ours were close to 100,000 baht each."
She said the payout was made discreetly after prolonged discussions. "The only reason we got paid that much was that we stayed there until the very end, wearing them down," she added.
Also Read: "Hilarious In Chaos": Vlogger's Treacherous Ferry Ride In Thailand Goes Viral
Viral Video Sparks Concern
The clip has since attracted thousands of views, with social media users expressing shock at the sight of luggage floating freely in the water. Many viewers questioned safety measures on ferries operating between Thailand's islands.
The journey between Koh Tao and Koh Samui is considered one of the region's rougher crossings, especially during the monsoon months. While bumpy rides are common, incidents involving luggage falling overboard are rarely reported.
