PHUKET: The known death toll climbed to at least 10 as the search for 58 people, mostly Chinese tourists, still missing since two boats and a jetski sank off the coast of Phuket in rough seas continued on Friday.

Phuket governor Norapat Plodthong said 90 people were rescued. A total of 58 people remained missing and the search had resumed.

There were 105 people - 93 tourists, 12 crew and tour guides on board the Phoenix when it capsized at Laem Mong in front of Koh Hae on Thursday evening.

A total of 48 people - 36 tourists and all 12 crew and guides - had been rescued.

The body of a male Chinese tourist was found near Koh Lon, said the governor.

“As of now, a total of 58 people are still missing. The search to find them continues ,’’ he said.  

According to the Phuket disaster prevention and mitigation office, at least 10  people had been confirmed dead. Some media put the known death toll as high as 17.

A report by Phuket police concluded that  three vessels capsized on Thursday. Of the missing, 56 people were from the Phoenix. 

The two other missing people were on the boat Senerita, which was carrying 42 people -  35 tourists, five crew, one tour guide and one photographer. Forty of them were safe. The two missing people are crewman Arun Hasanbin and a 30-year-old Chinese man. 

Two people were on board a jetski which also sank in the wild seas. Both were pulled safely from the sea, according to the police report.

 “A command centre has been set up at Chalong Bay pier. Provincial authorities and the 3rd Army are mapping out measures for  land, water and air searches for the missing people,’’ the governor said.