2 dead, 1 missing, as tourist boat capsizes in eastern Thailand | VIDEO

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A tourist boat carrying 12 passengers, including 2 children, has sunk in the province of Chachoengsao, just east of Bangkok. 2 people have drowned, with a third still missing. The accident happened yesterday afternoon, as the sightseeing boat was carrying tourists on the Khlong Siyad Reservoir, a popular attraction in the Thatakiab district.

When strong winds caused the boat to be overwhelmed by large waves, 9 of the passengers were able to swim to shore. Local rescue divers carried out a search of the reservoir, which ended at 11pm last night. Rescuers recovered the bodies of 52 year old tourist, Terdsak Prabphai, and the boat driver’s 49 year old wife, Ratchada Pidtathane. Another tourist, 65 year old Tang Huadchai, is missing, with the search resuming again this morning.

Nation Thailand reports that the Khlong Siyad reservoir covers 50,000 rai and can hold around 420 million cubic metres of water. In 2009, another tourist boat sank at the same location, with the loss of 5 lives.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand