As storm warnings were released, Regional Harbour Office officials issued an order barring smaller boats from putting out to sea. The maritime officials made an exception in the case of the stranded holidaymakers and allowed four twin-deck vessels to go and rescue them.
Vamco wreaked further damage as it swept over Pattaya. At South Pattaya Pier, officials reported damage to moorings, boats and other equipment which could run to a few million Baht.
In Pattaya Bay, and in the same general direction as Koh Lan, parasailing operators reported their floating pontoons had been partially destroyed. On the mainland, knee-deep floodwaters coursed down a main road in Bang Lamung.
Flooding also affected villages farther down the gulf coast at Chumphon. In the province’s Pato District, muddy waters washed through houses and caused residents to flee. Roads in the area were rendered impassable due to the floods.
Tropical Storm Vamco strands tourists on Pattaya Lan Island
News in Asia
Tropical Storm Vamco left around 380 tourists stranded on Koh Lan Island in Pattaya Bay yesterday. Two-metre-high waves and gale-force winds swept across the bay as Vamco passed over the northern end of the Gulf of Thailand.