At least two Australians have been injured in a speedboat crash that killed three other tourists near the popular holiday island of Koh Samui in Thailand, officials say.
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Three women, from Britain, Germany and Hong Kong, were killed in the accident at about 5pm on Thursday, local time, as the Ang Thong Explorer speedboat was returning to Koh Samui from Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park.
All 36 people on board the speedboat were thrown into the water when the boat hit a large wave and capsized, according to reports.
Thai police said one person has been charged with causing death and injuries.
Another British national, believed to be a man, is still missing following the crash, said Police Colonel Apichart Boonsriroj, commander of Surat Thani province where the crash happened.
"The reason the speedboat capsized is because of bad weather conditions and because the boat was speeding," Apichart said.
Photographs showed the damaged boat being towed back to shore, upside down and with a large hole in its hull.
Boat captain says he gave life vests to everyone but some chose not to wear it. Four tourists remain in hospital.— Richard Barrow (@RichardBarrow) May 27, 2016
Search continues for two missing foreign tourists after yesterday’s speedboat accident https://t.co/zPcPAgRiQr pic.twitter.com/SENrRlTqnt— Richard Barrow (@RichardBarrow) May 27, 2016
The Bangkok Post reported that 31 of the 32 passengers were foreign tourists. Four staff members were also on the boat.
A passing speedboat rescued most of those in the water, the newspaper reported.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the officials were providing consular assistance to the two injured Australians.
"The Australian embassy in Bangkok is working closely with Thai authorities to confirm whether any other Australians may have been involved in the incident and stand ready to provide consular assistance should this be required," the spokesperson said.
"Due to privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further information."
The British Foreign Office confirmed the death of one of its citizens.
"We are supporting the family of a British woman who has sadly died following a boat accident near Koh Samui, Thailand," a spokeswoman said.
"Another British national has received treatment in hospital for injuries suffered in the same incident. We remain in contact with local authorities in Thailand for further information."
with Reuters