Rescue efforts are underway for dozens of passengers who went missing Thursday after two
boats capsized off
Thailand's resort island of
Phuket in what appear to be separate incidents, according to a police spokesman.
Police Lt. Colonel Somsak Sophakarn, the deputy chief of Phuket's Chalong Provincial Police Station, said one of the boats, the Phoenix PC Diving boat, had some 90 passengers on board, most of whom were Chinese tourists. Forty-eight people have been rescued and taken to shore, he said.
The second boat, the Serenita, had nearly 40 passengers on board, Sophakarn said. The fates of passengers aboard that vessel are unknown, Sophakarn said.
The Thai Navy, marine police and local fisherman are cooperating in the search and rescue efforts.
Weather satellites showed numerous thunderstorms off the coast of Phuket throughout Thursday evening, producing waves greater than 3 meters in some areas, according to the Thailand Meteorological Department.
The island of Phuket -- known for its beaches and luxurious resorts -- is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations.