An overloaded double-decked ferry carrying tourists capsized and sank off Lan Island, Thailand.   The ferry left Lan Island with 200 people on board bound for Pattaya.  Shortly after the vessel left port, the ferry suffered engine problems.  Fumes and exhaust from the engine forced passengers from the lower deck onto the second deck.  The ferry soon lost stability and capsized onto its side before sinking.  Passengers and crew had to cling onto coolers and other floatsam until rescuers came to their aid.  The ferry did not have enough life vests on board for the number of people on board.  Rescuers were able to save over 190 people, but six passengers perished.  Several others suffered injuries with one child in critical condition at a nearby hospital.   Authorities report that the ferry was operating over its capacity.  The vessel was only allowed to have 130 to 150 passengers.  Authorities are looking for the master of the ferry

Related articles

• 6 Tourists Killed in Ferry Accident in Thailand – ABC News (abcnews.go.com)
• Six dead after Thai tourist ferry sinks (theguardian.com)
• Police: Capsized Thai ferry was overcrowded (itv.com)
• Six dead after Thai tourist ferry sinks (theguardian.com)