38 rescued from sinking catamaran off Phuket

33 Chinese tourists, two Thai guides and three crew members have been rescued after their catamaran began to take on water and sink in the seas off Phuket on Monday. The incident happened as the vessel was taking a group of tourists on a day trip from Phuket to Racha Island. Water started to leak in when it was about 1.67 nautical miles from Racha Island.

The crew of the ill-fated catamaran broadcast an SOS message to the rescue centre in Phuket, which immediately alerted other vessels in the area and rescue teams to rush to their assistance.  Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident. Phuket officials have contacted the Chinese consulate to inform them that all Chinese citizens involved are safe.