British Boat Crash Victim Was On Honeymoon

A British woman who was among at least three people killed in a speedboat accident in Thailand was on her honeymoon, according to reports.

Monica O'Connor, 28, is said to have died when a huge wave capsized their boat off the coast of the island of Koh Samui on Thursday.

Her husband Tim is believed to have escaped unharmed.

The Angthong Discovery Tour boat was carrying 32 tourists and four crew when it overturned after hitting rough waters and strong winds.

A search operation has resumed for missing British man Jason Parnell, 46, who was celebrating his first wedding anniversary with his wife Puja when the crash happened.
Mrs Parnell is also believed to have survived the crash.

A German man and a woman from Hong Kong were also among the dead, according to authorities.
Some passengers were thrown from the boat, while others became trapped underneath.

At least one person was pulled to safety after rescuers used an axe to smash through the hull.

Sanan Seekakiaw, the captain of the boat, has been taken into police custody and faces a possible charge of reckless endangerment causing death.

He said he had asked all the tourists to wear a life vest, but claimed some had taken them off during the journey.

Travel agent Amm Pontfuk, who works for Angthong Discovery, said the boat had not sailed in the days before the accident because of the rough conditions.

"The wind blew very, very strong and it made the boat go under the waves and flip," she said.

A statement from the Foreign Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has sadly died following a boat accident near Koh Samui, Thailand.

"We are also supporting the family of a British man who is missing following the same incident.

"We remain in contact with local authorities in Thailand for further information."

It is believed that other British people were also on board but they are thought to have been released from hospital following treatment.