Thai Boat Accident: Boat 'Phoenix' under police guard, 47 Chinese tourists killed as it sunk in July

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02:01

The tour boat Phoenix is under police guard on the island of Phuket in Thailand. The boat has been brought back to land after being raised from the sea, following its sinking with the loss of 47 Chinese lives. From Phuket, CGTN's Martin Lowe reports.

The signs say 'keep out', the wreck of the Phoenix is now effectively under lock and key.

The ill-fated tour boat is being guarded around the clock by Thai Police.

Soon it will be lifted ashore and placed under the watchful eye of security cameras, everyone who goes near will be recorded on film.

The wreck was raised by a heavy-lifting crane after four months on the seabed before being secured to a barge and towed back to land.

MARTIN LOWE PHUKET "These steps are being taken to prevent anyone trying to tamper with the evidence. If there is found to be fault in the boat's design or operation, serious criminal charges could be brought."

At the port, a Buddhist ritual was performed to pay respect to the 47 Chinese tourists who drowned when the Phoenix sank in a storm in July. Boats had been warned of bad weather and told not to put to sea.

Thai authorities say the wreck is key to their investigation into what caused the sinking. Already, the owner, skipper and engineer have been accused of recklessness causing death.

POLICE COLONEL NOPPADOL KANTAKANIT FORENSIC SCIENCE SERVICE "We have carried out our first examination and we will do more once the boat is brought ashore. We will look to see if the boat was properly constructed according to the plans."

Many Chinese tour groups cancelled holidays in Thailand after the tragedy. The Thai government has promised a transparent investigation - and big improvements in safety standards.

Martin Lowe, CGTN, Phuket.