Issued at 10.00 Hrs. (GMT+7) on 15 July 2018
The ‘Command and Rescue Centre of the Capsizing Incident’ at the Phuket Provincial Hall has reported that authorities have completed the biometrics identification of the 46th body, arranged funeral services for 39 victims and sent seven bodies back home. Meanwhile, the one remaining injured tourist at the Phuket Provincial Hospital is expected to be discharged from the Hospital soon.
Phuket Provincial Governor Mr. Norraphat Plodthong announced that the recovery mission took place again today and would be continued until the last body trapped under the sunken Phoenix was retrieved.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund has so far facilitated payments for the loss of life of 29 victims, at one million Baht each. Relatives of seven other victims are to provide more documents. Relatives of 10 other victims have yet to submit their petitions. (Click to see the ‘required documents to claim for compensation‘)
The Fund has also been paid for mental rehabilitation of 12 tourists at 20,000 Baht each. Of these, 11 tourists also claimed for the disruption of travel and were paid 88,000 Baht in total.
Incident Investigation
Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Pol Maj Gen Teerapol Thipcharoen said police yesterday pressed charges against the Phoenix’s boat manager for ‘recklessness causing deaths and emotional-physical injuries to others’. She was detained at the Chalong Provincial Police Station and is to be sent to the Phuket Provincial Prison today.
The charges against the Phoenix’s boat manager came after a series of arrests of individuals in connection with the tragic event including the charges against the Phoenix’s boat captain and the technician, and the Chinese boat manager of the Sereniga.
