Rescuers racing against time to search for missing 23 tourists after boat capsizes in Thailand

23 people are missing and 33 are dead after a tourist boat capsized in Thailand
EPA
Sophie Williams6 July 2018

Rescuers in Thailand are in a race against time to find 23 people missing after a tourist boat capsized off the coast of Phuket.

The confirmed death toll currently stands at 33 however one official said he feared "no chance" of any more survivors.

Local news reports show dozens of divers searching for the missing.

A Marine Police said rescue teams were diving to a depth of around 40 metres (130 feet).

AFP/Getty Images

33 people have been confirmed dead with 23 missing (AFP/Getty Images)

A Marine Department official said there was probably "no chance" any more survivors could be found from inside the boat.

"A day and a night have passed," said the department's deputy director-general, Kritpetch Chaichuay.

​Phuket officials had earlier issued a warning of severe weather until next Tuesday, including heavy rain and winds.

Police say the boat had not been overloaded and was properly registered.

On the same day, another boat carrying 35 tourists, 5 crew and a guide were rescued from the same area.

The boat overturned in rough seas
AFP/Getty Images

They were all rescued, according to the Water Safety Department of the Harbour.

The Chinese embassy in Bangkok said it had sent a team to Phuket to help and consulate staff in southern Thailand were on the scene helping their citizens.

In a separate incident, a Russian couple lost contact after they drove a jet ski near Koh Racha. They were later found.

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