Tourists die in Pattaya ferry incident

Seven tourists including three Russians and a Chinese have died in a ferry incident in the coast of the resort town of Pattaya in eastern Thailand.

The incident took place late on Sunday, when the double-decker ferry, carrying about 200 Thai and foreign tourists, capsized and sank near Koh Larn, a small island close to Pattaya, which is popular with daytrippers.

Fifteen people including a Russian boy were also seriously injured in the accident.

Police Col. Suwan Cheawnavinthavat quoted witnesses as saying that there were neither enough tubes nor life vests on the ferry when the incident happened.

Suwan said the ship was operating over its capacity of about 130 to 150 passengers.

“Some of those who cannot swim had to cling onto coolers or ice containers until rescuers came.”

Police have launched an investigation to find the cause of the accident.

Pattaya, which is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Bangkok, has witnessed several fatal boat incidents this year.

Last month, an Indian tourist was killed in a parasailing accident off the coast. In August, two Chinese tourists died in a speed boat accident near the main pier of Pattaya.