Bangkok (People's Daily)- Rescuers recovered two more dead bodies on Tuesday from last week’s boat accident in Phuket, Thailand, raising the death toll to 44.

Three of the five survivors mentioned at Tuesday’s press briefing have returned to China, with the other two preparing to do the same.

A body was found in waters near Phi Phi Island, which has been later confirmed by authorities a passenger on the Phoenix tourist boat, while three people remain missing, including those trapped under the boat. Forty-four Chinese tourists have been confirmed dead.

A total of 101 people were on the Phoenix - the capsized boat - when the tragedy happened. Of the 89 tourists on board, 87 of them were Chinese nationals. 

The search has intensified. The Phuket government has requested assistance from the governments of Krabi and Phang-ga.

Thai authorities said they will never stop searching until the last missing person is found.

(Compiled by Li Lei)