A boat, carrying at least 105 people, was pummelled by huge waves as it returned to Phuket from Koh Racha. (Photo: Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation) Bangkok (VNA) – As of 6:30am on July 6, oneperson has been found dead and 53 others remain missing after a tourist boatcapsized in high winds and rough seas off the tourist island of Phuket,Thailand on July 5.
Search and rescue efforts resumed on the morning of July6 after they were suspended as night fell on the island together with badweather conditions.
The Phoenix boat, carrying at least 105 people, including93 tourists and 12 tour guides, was pummelled by huge waves as it returned toPhuket from Koh Racha, according to Thai authorities.
Rescuers have saved 51 people and pulled the body of atourist from the sea.
The boat was flooded and began to keel over at about16:00 after it was hit by five-metre-high waves, said the captain, SomjingBoontham. Life jackets were later handed out to passengers and inflatable liferafts deployed.
The captain noted most of the tourists onboard were Chinesewhile two others were believed to be Westerners. According to the ChineseConsulate General in Songkhla, most of the Chinese tourists are employees of acompany who were on a holiday trip with their families to Phuket.
A relief operation centre has been set up at Chalong Bayas rescue forces have been deploying resources to search for survivors andbodies. However, strong winds and high waves continue to hamper the efforts.
Another boat called Senerita also capsized in the samearea yesterday with 39 European and Chinese tourists abroad. All of thepassengers were rescued and accounted for. -VNA
VNA
