A German woman is suing a UK-based adventure travel company for £12 million ($15.8 million), alleging that a boat accident on Cambodia’s Kampot River in 2022 left her with severe and lasting physical and psychological injuries.
Annika Kreten, 39, a former government worker, was taking part in a £2,000 tour organised by Transforma Travel Group when a two-storey sunset cruise boat capsized on November 28, 2022.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Claimant | Annika Kreten, 39 |
| Nationality | German |
| Travel company | Transforma Travel Group, UK |
| Accident location | Kampot River, Cambodia |
| Date | November 28, 2022 |
| Tour cost | About £2,000 |
| Compensation claimed | £12 million ($15.8 million) |
| Liability | Company admitted full liability in June 2024 |
| Main dispute | Extent and causation of injuries and damages |
| Expected trial | 2027 or 2028 |
Lawsuit alleges boat was unsafe
According to court filings, Kreten became trapped beneath unsecured furniture as the vessel took on water and sank.
Her lawyers allege that the boat had been modified to include an upper deck, was poorly maintained and was overloaded. The vessel reportedly became unstable after passengers gathered on one side to jump into the river.
The filing states that Kreten was struck by furniture and became trapped underwater, resulting in what her legal team describes as severe and traumatic injuries.
Her lawyers say she subsequently developed a brain injury, severe post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and a chronic functional neurological disorder. They claim the conditions have prevented her from returning to work or living independently.
Kreten described the incident as a continuing trauma, saying she had to fight for her life and continues to deal with the consequences of the accident.
Travel company accepts liability but disputes damages
Transforma Travel Group admitted full liability for the accident in June 2024 under UK package holiday regulations.
However, the company is disputing the extent of Kreten’s injuries and the amount of compensation being claimed.
Defence barrister Lucy Wyles told the court that the alleged injuries and their connection to the accident remain disputed, with the company intending to obtain its own expert medical evidence.
The legal dispute therefore centres not on whether the travel company is liable for the accident, but on the extent and causation of the injuries and the level of damages that should be awarded.
Case could reach trial in 2027 or 2028
The case is expected to proceed to trial in the UK in either 2027 or 2028.
If the £12 million claim is ultimately awarded in full, it would represent a substantial compensation case arising from an overseas package holiday. However, the final amount will depend on the court’s assessment of the claimant’s injuries, their causation and the evidence presented by both sides.
Angkor Times Analysis
The case highlights the legal and safety responsibilities surrounding adventure tourism and package holidays involving activities operated overseas.
For Cambodia’s tourism sector, the incident also underscores the importance of vessel maintenance, passenger capacity, structural modifications and safety procedures for river and coastal excursions. The court case, however, concerns the specific accident and the claimant’s alleged injuries, and its outcome has not yet been determined.
FAQs
Where did the boat accident happen?
The incident occurred on the Kampot River in Cambodia on November 28, 2022.
How much is the claimant seeking?
Annika Kreten is seeking £12 million in damages.
Has the travel company accepted responsibility?
Transforma Travel Group admitted full liability for the accident in June 2024, but disputes the extent and causation of the injuries and the amount of damages claimed.