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A boat carrying Muslim pilgrims sank on Thailand’s Chao Phraya river leaving at least 15 people dead, a provincial governor said.
The accident happened on Sunday afternoon near the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a popular vacation spot, when a boat packed with pilgrims returning from a mosque hit a concrete bank in strong tides.
“The death toll is now confirmed at 15, with 11 people still missing,” Ayutthaya deputy governor Rewat Prasong told AFP, updating the overnight toll from 13 dead. “Fourteen people are still in hospital,” he said, adding “the rescue operation resumed this morning to find those missing.” No foreigners were believed to be among the dead.
Local television stations showed graphic footage of the aftermath of the accident as passengers were pulled from the water while rescuers attempted to resuscitate stricken people on the bank. Passengers were trapped on the lower deck of the pleasure boat, which was submerged in the swollen, brown waters agonisingly close to the bank.
Despite its wealth compared to regional neighbours and huge tourism sector, accidents are common on Thailand’s public transport network. Safety regulations are often weakly enforced, including on boats with overcrowding, sinkings and accidents common – in particular in busy tourist areas.
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