Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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14 Dead, 15 Still Missing in Boat Accident Off Thai Island

by VOA News

   The death toll from the tourist boat accident off the southern Thai
   resort island of Phuket has risen to 41, and officials say divers and
   others are searching for 15 people who are still missing. At least 12
   people have been treated at hospitals.

   The boat was carrying 93 tourists, 11 crew and one tour guide when it
   was slammed Thursday by a 5-meter-high wave.The captain said debris
   blocked the pump used to clear water out of the boat, making it tilt.
   That made the craft vulnerable to more waves and it eventually
   capsized.

   Most of the passengers were from China. Chinese President Xi Jinping
   urged Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese diplomats in
   Thailand to increase search-and-rescue efforts.

   Officials have asked the Phuket Tourist Association to find 80
   volunteer Chinese-language translators to help the rescued Chinese
   passengers at the provincial airport.

   A second boat capsized off Phuket earlier Thursday. Officials said all
   42 people on board -- Chinese and European tourists -- were rescued.

   Severe weather in the area is expected until Tuesday, and Governor
   Norraphat Plodthong said Phuket officials had alerted the public about
   the storms.

   Phuket is a popular destination for foreign tourists. Thirty-five
   million tourists are expected to visit Thailand this year.