20 people missing after a boating accident in front of Phuket

About twenty people disappeared after a shipwreck off the Thai island of Phuket. Local rescue services said Thursday night that the boat used for diving trips capsized in a rough sea with 90 people aboard.

Half of the boat's occupants were saved, according to several sources. Later, the Thai authorities have declared the number of missing persons at about 20. According to the Phuket rescue service, the rescue operation is continuing.

The boat came from the southernmost group of islands, Koh Racha, on the way back to Phuket. The area is a popular destination for foreign tourists.

The question of whether capsized boat passengers are tourists was not clear at first. In Thailand, there are often fatal accidents involving boats, buses and other public transportation. Security standards are low.

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