By Linda Khoo Hui Li
BANGKOK, Aug 3 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for four people missing from a ferry that sank near Thailand’s popular tourist island of Koh Samui on Saturday night continued today.
The Raja 4 ferry was carrying 12 crew members and four drivers – three 10-wheel lorries and a pickup truck loaded with garbage – when it sank in the stormy sea after leaving Koh Samui’s port about 10 pm (local time) on Saturday night.
Nine people were rescued near the vessel while another two were rescued closer to an island nearby on Sunday. A skipper’s body was found on Sunday afternoon.
Surat Thani Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office said the SAR by navy, police and local rescue teams resumed operation at 8 am (local time) today.
“The search team has located where the boat sank,” it said in a statement.
Meanwhile, director-general of the Marine Department Witthaya Yamuang said a panel has been set up to probe the mishap.
He said a report will be released in 15 days.
