All passengers and crew rescued from capsized boat

All 38 passengers and crew aboard a boat that capsized and sank today near a Thai resort island have been rescued, said the governor of the southern province where the accident took place.

Krabi province Governor Siva Sirisaowalak told Thai TV Channel 9 that bad weather and poor visibility caused the accident in the Andaman sea about 25 miles from the mainland off Krabi province.

“All of the 38 people have been rescued. Four of them are crew members. Four people were sent to a hospital,” he said, adding that searches would continue in case any more people were actually missing.

The boat capsized after it faced strong currents and wind in the Andaman sea about 400 miles south of Bangkok, said police Col. Sompob Kantasee.

The boat was travelling between Krabi province and a resort island of Phi Phi, Sompob said, adding that bad weather likely caused the accident.

Ferries and boats are a main mode of transportation between island resorts in southern Thailand.

Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards mean accidents are common, especially during the rainy season.