56 still missing as search continues off Phuket
Latest update as of 9am Thailand Time, from the Phuket PR Office, states that one Chinese tourist has been found dead and 56 are still missing in two major marine incidents yesterday afternoon (July 5).
Chinese tourists are still missing following the capsize off Phuket. Divers are currently scouring the sunken vessel, the Phoenix, for missing people. The tour boat was one of two reported to have capsized. Many other vessels raced for cover in the difficult sea conditions but have reported their position and their passenger numbers to authorities. 12 boats sought shelter off Koh Racha last night waiting for the weather to abate.
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Phuket’s Governor Norraphat Plodthong spoke to the media this morning.
“One Chinese man found has been found dead. Eleven have sustained injures, two of them have sustained serious injuries. 56 people are still missing.”
“The two Russians on a jet-ski were saved by local fishing boat.”
“Another boat named ‘Serenata’ was carrying 35 tourists, five boat crews, one tour guide and one photographer. In total the boat was carrying 42 passengers. 40 of them who ended up in the sea have been rescued. Two people are still missing. They are boat crew, Aroon Hasanbin and a 30 year old Chinese tourist, Sun Hua Fang. The boat sunk at midnight.”
“The ‘Phoenix’ dive boat was carrying 105 passengers – 93 tourists, 12 boat crew and tour guides. 36 tourists and the 12 boat crew (and tour guides) have been saved. In total 48 passengers have been saved. A body was found wearing life jacket. 58 people are still missing.”
“This morning at 9am, two from ‘Senerita’ have been found save near Koh Kai. So 56 people remain missing.”
“The ‘Phoenix’ diving boat owner, Woraluck Rueakchaiyakan, is assisting authorities with the search for those missing. Ms Woraluck says she is taking care all the passengers that have been recovered from his tour boat.”
The search resumed this morning at daybreak, both underwater, with boats and with helicopters.
