Last body of Phuket boat accident found

Thai authorities have recovered the last body from the boat accident off the southern resort island of Phuket, raising the death toll to 47.
Search and rescue forces off the island (Source: VNA)
Search and rescue forces off the island (Source: VNA)

The Phoenix was carrying 105 people, mostly Chinese tourists, when it sank in Koh Hei on July 5 on the way back to Phuket from Koh Racha, a popular snorkeling spot.

Phuket's Department of Public Relations said in a statement on July 15 that the last body from the Phoenix boat accident was recovered after over a week of searching.

An initial report showed that the boat was registered and not overloaded. Bad weather conditions were said to be the reason behind the accident, despite the vessel knowing this prior to setting off.

The accident was one of the worst in Thailand since 2004 when the tsunami drowned thousands of people.

Many divers and helicopters were mobilised to seek victims trapped inside the boat. Relatives of the victims have been in Phuket to help identify the bodies.

A ceremony was held with the participation of the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand to pay tribute to the victims. 

The Thai Ministry of Tourism released a statement saying that each of the victims’ families were to receive compensation of 1 million THB (over 30,000 USD).-VNA

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