The rescue operation began after Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) received a distress call at 4pm from a woman identified as ‘Ms Nu’, who reported that a fishing boat had broken down at sea.
The boat was located north of Koh Maithon ‒ about 6.1 nautical miles southeast of the Third Naval Area pier at Cape Panwa.
Patrol boat T.272 was immediately deployed to assist, concerned that strong waves posed a serious risk to those on board the vessel, which had no life-saving equipment.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Marine Office was separately alerted that a longtail boat that had set out to fish near Koh Maithon had broken its anchor and was drifting in worsening sea conditions. The boat eventually floated toward Koh Dok Mai.
Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit dispatched patrol boat 601 to the scene. Officers found one helmsman and four passengers aboard the stricken vessel. All five were safely rescued.
Four of the passengers were brought ashore at Coco Pier, while the boat’s captain remained with the vessel as it was towed to safety.
The rescue came as a weather warning remained in effect. Officials urged all small boats to avoid venturing out to sea through today (July 21), particularly in open waters, due to the risk of strong winds and high waves.
Authorities reminded boat operators to closely follow official forecasts and safety advisories and ensure that all vessels are properly equipped with life-saving equipment.
For maritime emergencies or assistance, the Thai MECC 3 can be contacted 24 hours a day via the Thai MECC 3 hotline 1465.