Eight people were rescued and one went missing when their speedboat sank near Koh Nu off Songkhla province in strong seas yesterday morning, local officials said.
The boat was carrying a group of divers when it was swamped by big waves about one kilometre from Samila beach in Muang district about 9am.
Eight people, all divers, were plucked out of the sea by marine police and rescue workers and sent to Koh Nu for first aid. The search continued for the missing person.
Officials said they were unable to confirm if the missing person was part of the diving group or the speedboat operator.
The diving equipment was lost when the boat sank. Meanwhile, a small fishing boat that went missing for three nights was located and taken back to shore in Phangnga's Tap Lamu district by a fishing trawler yesterday.
The search for the one-crew boat was launched on Wednesday by naval authorities when fisherman Pittipong Phuman lost contact with his family who suspected an accident or an engine problem.
A naval vessel was sent to search for the boat while fishing trawlers operating in the area were also asked to look out for the missing boat.
The boat was spotted by the Choke Kaen Kaew Nawee 1 fishing trawler at 6am yesterday and brought to shore.
Mr Pittipong told officials the rudder was broken and he lost control of the boat. Worse, his phone battery went dead and he could not contact anyone for help.