Seven missing after Thai tourist boat capsizes

Marine police said a dive boat has capsized off Thailand's south-west coast. Seven people, including six foreigners, are missing.

Marine police officer Parinya Kaewplung says the boat was carrying 30 divers returning from the Similan islands when it sank early today about 12 miles off the mainland.

Parinya says marine police were able to pluck 23 divers from the sea. They have been taken to local hospitals.

He says police are still searching for two Swiss nationals, two Australians, a Japanese, a German and a Thai.

Boating accidents in Thailand are normally blamed on rough seas during the rainy season or crowded, poorly maintained vessels.

The Similan islands are located 75 miles north-west of Phuket.