Thailand: Boat with tourists capsize: 56 people missing, say police

Bangkok, July 6: Thailand's police on Friday, July 6, said that 56 people were yet to be traced after a storm capsized a boat filled with tourists off Phuket, a popular resort island in the South-east Asian country, the Associated Press reported.

Teerapol Tipcharoen, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, said the search operation was after the seas calmed since the tragedy that took place on Thursday (July 4) evening.

The boat was packed with 105 people, including 93 tourists, 11 crew and one tour guide when it toppled in the rough seas. While one Chinese man was confirmed dead, at least 12 were admitted in hospital. Forty eight people were rescued, said Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong, the AP report added.

The police though said earlier that 90 people had been rescued and just seven were missing, AP said, adding the reason for such vast discrepancy in the information was not known.

Meanwhile, a second boat too overturned off Phuket coast on Thursday, AP added, though there was no fatality and all 42 on board were safely rescued.

Phuket officials had cautioned earlier about severe weather conditions prevailing until Tuesday, July 10.

Thai media said 12 boats with over 260 passengers were forced to stay docked at the popular Racha Island because of inclement weather conditions, AP added.