Survivors of the sunken tourist boat Phoenix (Source: Xinhua/VNA) Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand's authoritiessaid on July 8 that rescuers are preparing to lift tourist boat Phoenix whichcapsized off the coast of Phuket island three days ago, killing at least 42people and leaving 14 others missing.
The boat was carrying 105 people,including 93 tourists and 12 tour guides, when it was pummelled by huge waveson the way back to Phuket from the popular snorkeling spot of Koh Racha.
Police on July 7 said they charged theship’s captain with negligence leading to damages, injury and death. Thecaptain has denied the charges, police said.
Divers and helicopters have joined thesearch for any survivors. Friends and relatives of those injured and deceasedhave arrived in Phuket to identify their loved ones.
In an urgent circular issued on July7, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism said travel companies across Chinashould carry out security checks against hidden risks to ensure travel safetyduring the summer period. It also stressed the importance of researching onlinetravel companies when booking overseas trips. Many of the tourists involved inthe Phuket accident booked their trips independently via online tourismplatforms, the ministry said.
The Phoenix was among several boatsthat appeared to have ignored a severe weather warning to take tourists onday-trips to islands off Phuket.
Anotherboat called Senerita also capsized in the same area on July 5 with 39 Europeanand Chinese tourists abroad. All of the passengers were rescued.-VNA
VNA
