Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Search Resumes for Missing From Sunken Thai Boat

by VOA News

   Rescuers in Thailand have re-launched a search for 23 missing tourists,
   most of them Chinese, following the sinking of their tour boat in a
   storm off the southern Thai resort island of Phuket.

   The death toll rose to at least 33 Friday after the navy sent divers to
   the wreck.

   Divers described heartbreaking scenes from the wreck of bodies of
   children found in the arms of their mothers.

   "It's very difficult to see," diver Philip Entremont said Saturday
   before resuming the search, "but the best thing to do ... is to bring
   back the bodies to their families."

   The boat was carrying 105 people, including 93 tourists, 11 crew and
   one tour guide when it capsized after being hit by five-meter waves
   Thursday off Thailand's southern coast. At least 12 people have been
   hospitalized.

   Boat captain Phoenix Somjing Boontham said debris got into the drainage
   engine after the first wave pounded the boat and that the system "was
   not fast enough to keep the boat steady. Then more waves hit rapidly,
   the boat leaned to one side and then it capsized," the captain added.

   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 next Tuesday, and Governor
   Norraphat Plodthong said Phuket officials have alerted the public about
   the storms.

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