Five more bodies recovered – 18 remain missing

Phuket’s Governor has updated the media of the current toll from the sinking of boats off Koh Hei on Thursday afternoon.

The official death toll issued by the Phuket PR Office is 38 people with 18 people still missing. The identification process is underway on the bodies that have been retrieved from the waters off Koh Hei, south-west of Phuket. Searching is expected to be completed by the end of today.

Governor Norraphat Plodthong spoke to the media this afternoon.

“13 vessels have been patrolling targeted areas all day as well as helicopters. Divers are searching every corner inside the ‘Phoenix’. Seventeen Chinese volunteer divers have been assisting in the search.”

“The search for missing passengers must be completed by today.”

“Today five more bodies were recovered. The identification process is taking place at Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town. 17 bodies have been identified. We are now in the process of advising Chinese Embassy staff.”

“The current official toll from Thursday night’s incident is 38 dead and 18 still missing.”