Foreign Affairs Ministry ensures quick search&rescue mission for sunken boats

BANGKOK, July 6 (TNA) -- The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that all concerned Thai organizations were doing their best to rescue people missing in the capsizing incidents off Phuket province. Following the incidents amid high waves and strong winds on July 5, Busadee Santipitaks, spokesperson of the ministry, guaranteed all-out efforts were continuing to help affected and missing people. She was referring to the incidents of the Phoenix diving boat which carried 105 passengers consisting of 93 tourists, a tour guide and 11 crewmen. Of them, 48 people were rescued, one was dead and 56 others went missing. The other boat was Serenata with 42 people: 35 tourists, a tour guide and six crewmen. Of the people, 42 were rescued. Besides, a Jet Ski capsized and two people who rode it were saved. At the latest development, Phuket governor Noraphat Plodthong said 16 people were found dead. Fifteen of them were discovered today and the other one last night. Forty people were missing. (TNA)