Six drown as Thai tourist ferry capsizes

Six people have drowned after a ferry capsized off the coast of Thailand.

The overcrowded boat went down while it was making the short journey from the island of Ko Larn to the busy tourist resort of Pattaya on the mainland.

Three Thais, one person from Hong Kong and two other unidentified foreigners are among the dead, police said while over 150 of the 200 passengers are believed to have been rescued. 19 people were also injured.

The dead included three Thais, two Russians and a Hong Kong resident, police said, adding that 15 people were seriously injured, including a Russian boy.

The double-decker ferry sank after reportedly running into engine trouble at around 17:00 local time on Sunday, police said.

Police Colonel Suwan Cheawnavinthavat was quoted by the Associated Press as stating "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."

Reports suggest that the overcrowded vessel capsized after drifting onto rocks following engine failure.

It has also been reported that the captain of the ferry has admitted to being high on drugs.

Russia's Ria Novosti news service quoted Russian consul in Bangkok Andrey Dvornykov saying that "at least half of the passengers" were Russian tourists.

Pattaya is one of Thailand's most popular resort areas and has become popular as a package holiday destination for Russian families.

The accident it likely to focus increased attention on safety standards in Thailand.