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A ferry carrying 42 people capsized Tuesday near the resort isle of
Phi Phi in southern Thailand, but rescuers saved everyone who was
on board, local officials said.
"A ferry, which had a capacity of up to 100 people, sank when a
wave hit the boat during a storm," police Colonel Somphob Kantasee
told Agence France-Presse by telephone.
The 38 passengers and four crew were all rescued shortly after
the accident, he added. No foreigners were on board.
Provincial governor Siri Sirisawaluck said that the ferry was
taking a group of local villagers to the island to conduct
religious ceremonies.
"About one third of the way to Phi Phi island, a strong storm
broke out and the boat was hit by a big wave and capsized," he told
local television.
"During this time of year, there can be very rough waters and we
don't advise anyone taking this kind of boat trip," he added.
The victims of the accident suffered only minor injuries, Siri
said.
The postcard-perfect Phi Phi island, made famous in the
Hollywood film "The Beach," is a jewel of Thailand's tourist
industry. Ferries shuttle hundreds of people between the mainland
and the island every day.
Phi Phi was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which
claimed 700 lives on the island, but has since regained its allure
for local and foreign tourists.
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