After their motor boat capsized about 40 metres off Rin Beach on Pha-ngan Island in Surat Thani early this morning, nine passengers and three crew were rescued, but a South Korean remains missing.
A search and rescue operation was launched as soon as it was discovered that the South Korean national was not among those rescued. The passengers included German, Japanese, South Korean and Thai nationals.
Following dinner and drinks on Rin Beach, at about 3am they left for Hat Yuan Bay by boat, operated by skipper Pattanapong Sae Tiew and his two crew.
The boat foundered in the heavy sea conditions, with all on board ending up in the water. Witnesses alerted emergency officials who rushed to their rescue.
The search for the missing South Korean resumed this morning.
