Briton dies as Thai speedboat "capsizes"

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EPA

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Survivors of the accident were pulled from the sea

A British woman is among three people killed after a speedboat capsized near the island of Koh Samui, in Thailand.

The boat, with 32 passengers and four crew, had come from Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park on Ko Pha Ngan island and capsized after it “hit a big wave”, Thai police said.

The other victims were women from Hong Kong and Germany, while a British man is also missing.

A third Briton has been treated in hospital, the Foreign Office said.

A spokeswoman said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has sadly died following a boat accident near Koh Samui, Thailand.

“Another British national has received treatment in hospital for injuries suffered in the same incident.

“We remain in contact with local authorities in Thailand for further information.”

The boat capsized at 17:00 local time (11:00 BST) and seven people remain in hospital with serious injuries.

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PA

The police have told the BBC the sea was rough and the winds strong at the time of the accident, which occurred just 300 metres from the shore.

The police also say the boat was licensed to carry 45 passengers, so it was not overcrowded.

The BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head says dozens of fast tour boats go out every day from the island of Koh Samui, taking tourists to snorkel and kayak in the crystal blue seas of the Ang Thong National park.

It is not clear yet whether there were any safety lapses, but that boat accidents happen frequently in Thailand, and regulations are unevenly enforced, our correspondent added.

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