A ferry with tourists has capsized in Thailand, near the beach resort city of Pattaya, Russia’s embassy in the country has confirmed to RT. At least six people have died, including two Russians, reports RT TV.
Others killed include a Chinese citizen and three Thais, Col. Suwan Cheawnavinthavat said, according to AP.
Russia’s embassy consulate in Thailand has yet to confirm that Russians are among dead.
“There is no information on the nationality of the dead. It is known that among the injured were two Russians – a woman with a child. They were taken to hospital in the city of Pattaya,” Andrey Dvornikov, head of the consular department of the Russian embassy in Thailand, said.
“Most likely there were many Russians on board,” he added.
A 9-year-old Russian boy who was among those rescued is in intensive care in hospital. While Thai police says he is the only victim to have been hospitalized, the Russian embassy said at least three Russians had been taken to hospital.
Local police have confirmed that 200 Thai and foreign tourists were on a double-decker ferry, AP reports. It was established that the ferry was operating over its capacity, police said.
The National News Bureau of Thailand indicate the 12-meter long vessel was licensed to carry up to 150 people.
As an engine problem occurred soon after the boat departed, tourists rushed to the second floor, causing the ferry to flip on its side and eventually sink, Col. Suwan Cheawnavinthavat said.
