The body of the man, later identified as John Bernice Tio Brioso, 28, of the Philippines, was discovered at about 5pm on the ‘Hoegh Gandria’, which was anchored in waters off Moo 7, Wichit.
The ship’s captain, Nikolic Drasco, reported the discovery to authorities, prompting officers from Wichit Police Station to board the vessel at around 6:35pm.
Police Lt Col Chonlathit Khiaw-on, the investigating officer, said the crewman was found wearing his normal work clothes. A preliminary examination conducted on board by forensic officers and a duty doctor confirmed marks on his neck consistent with hanging. No other injuries or signs of assault were found.
Investigators also examined the scene and the man’s cabin, where no signs of a struggle or ransacking were discovered. His body was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy.
Authorities are treating the case as a suspected suicide, though a full investigation is underway.
The initial emergency response was launched at 6:10pm when Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 branch (Thai-MECC 3), ordered an emergency medical team to the ‘Hoegh Gandria’ after reports that a crew member was suffering respiratory distress.
By the time the team reached the vessel, however, the man had already been pronounced dead.
Police have notified the relevant consular officials, and the case is being handled in accordance with Thai law, Thai MECC 3 reported.
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