REVELLERS INJURED IN THAILAND TOURIST BOAT COLLISION

They overturned a few kilometres out to sea while ferrying people to and from a party on Koh Pha Ngan island beach, throwing many revellers into the water.

At least two other people were said to be missing in the collision, which happened close to Koh Samui island.

The monthly event held on full-moon nights is well-known among party-goers, attracting thousands of tourists.

Ellie Hocken, 19, from the UK, survived the crash after being thrown off deck into the sea.

She is in hospital with a fractured back. Her father, Dr David Hocken told the BBC she was “still terrified even now”.

“When the crash happened, she was on the top deck of the boat. The sea was very rough. Suddenly someone screamed 'They're going to hit us',” he said.

“They tried to alert the captain but there was no time. There was a huge smash and everyone was thrown overboard. Ellie blacked out and when she woke up, she was alone in the water.

“She saw a boat and managed to swim to it and climb aboard. There were people being resuscitated and someone with an arm torn off. She was put on a stretcher and taken to hospital. Scans show she has a fractured back.”

The boats collided late on Saturday, throwing passengers into rough waters just off the island, The Nation newspaper website said.

At least one other Briton and four Australians were said to be among the injured, as well as other foreign tourists.

Every month, it is estimated up to 25,000 revellers descend on Koh Pha Ngan for the all-night beach rave.