The fishing vessel ‘W. Chokmana 1’ was struck by a large wave while turning back to shore at about 2:50pm. The impact left the vessel unable to withstand the current, and it sank off the island’s southwest coast, the Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center Region 3 branch (Thai MECC 3).
All nine on board were wearing life jackets when the distress call was made. Thai MECC 3 Commander Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul immediately ordered search and rescue operations.
A Type 4 transport helicopter was dispatched to the reported coordinates while the navy ship HTMS Hua Hin was sent to the scene. Rescue agencies were also placed on standby to assist.
While airborne search and rescue locating the fishing crew adrift in the open sea, a nearby fishing vessel, the ‘Chai Trakan’, was first to move in to render assistance and safely recover the crew.
The survivors were then all transferred to the HTMS Hua Hin. By 8:30pm, all eight fishing crew members and the captain were safely brought to shore at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command pier at Cape Panwa, on Phuket’s east coast. None were injured.
V/Adm Suwat personally met with the fishermen and thanked the Hua Hin crew for their swift action, as well as other agencies for their cooperation in the rescue effort.
He reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to safeguarding the Andaman Sea, protecting marine resources, and responding promptly to emergencies.
The public can report maritime emergencies, disasters or threats to the Marine Department Region 3 at 1465, available 24 hours a day.