BANGKOK, (PNA/RIA Novosti) -– Three Russians have been killed after a crowded ferry sank near the Thai beach resort city of Pattaya, local media reports said Monday.
The double-decker ferry, which had a carrying capacity of 150 people, capsized Sunday evening when an engine problem sent passengers rushing to the upper decks, the Associated Press news agency reported. Other reports suggested that the ferry had been overbalanced by a large wave.
The Russian Embassy in Thailand said Monday that one 47 year old Russian woman had died in the accident, but said that it was unable to confirm any other casualties.
Local newspaper the Bangkok Post said Monday that three Russians had died, as well as three Thais and one Chinese. The paper also cited Thai police saying there were about 200 people on board the boat when it sank.
Footage aired on Russian state television showed injured passengers being brought to shore on civilian boats, and medical staff performing emergency procedures.
Thai police said Monday that the captain of the ship, Saman Kuanmyang, 48, had been arrested on suspicion of negligence and dangerous handling of the vessel.
Thailand is a popular destination for Russian tourists.