Search mission continues in Pattaya

According to TV Channel 3, the Marine Department is launching an investigation into the accident which killed six, including three foreigners.

Ferry boats are ordered not to offer the service between Pattaya and Koh Lan, to clear the area for the search mission. 

Associated Press quoted a police officer saying that the ferry was overcrowded. 

The double-decker ferry, carrying Thai and foreign tourists, left Lan island for the 30-minute trip to the resort town of Pattaya on Sunday evening, said police Col. Suwan Cheawnavinthavat. Shortly after the boat departed, an engine problem sent the passengers on the first deck rushing to the second floor, causing the ferry to flip on its side and eventually sink.

"Witnesses said there were neither enough tubes nor life vests on the ferry. Some of those who cannot swim had to cling onto coolers or ice containers until rescuers came," Suwan said by phone.

He said the foreigners who died were a Russian man, a Russian woman and a Chinese man. Three Thais - two women and a man - also were killed. The rest of the passengers were rescued, including a 12-year-old Russian boy who was in intensive care at a hospital. None of the others were hospitalized.

Suwan said the ferry was operating over its capacity of about 130 to 150 passengers. He said police were looking for the ferry driver to investigate the cause of the accident.