CHONBURI, Thailand — A search-and-rescue operation is underway in the Gulf of Thailand after a commercial fishing vessel sank in turbulent waters off Thailand's eastern coast, leaving crew members missing in hazardous conditions.
The vessel, identified as the S. Kanchana Waree 888, went down approximately four to five hours’ sailing distance from the Chong Samae San channel in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province. Strong gale-force winds and heavy swell conditions reportedly overwhelmed the boat, causing it to capsize and sink.
The incident unfolded late in the evening when the vessel encountered severe maritime weather. Nearby commercial fishing vessels and patrol officers were alerted after a neighboring boat, the Hanuman Chaiwari 998, spotted the sinking vessel and broadcast emergency distress signals to maritime authorities.
Responding to the distress call, personnel from the Royal Thai Navy’s 1st Regional Command, working alongside local fishing crews, deployed to the search area.
Out of approximately 20 crew members believed to be on board, 13 to 15 were pulled from the water by nearby vessels and navy rescue units before receiving initial medical evaluations. However, at least 7 crew members remain unaccounted for, with high waves, low visibility, and strong currents continuing to complicate ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
Maritime authorities confirmed that the vessel's captain was killed in the incident, with the wreckage submerged in deep waters. Navy patrol craft and civilian vessels are maintaining a grid search across the region to locate any remaining survivors adrift in life vests or floating debris.
The Thai Meteorological Department and local harbor authorities have issued warnings to all small vessels operating in the Upper Gulf of Thailand, urging mariners to exercise extreme caution or remain in port as volatile weather and heavy sea swells persist across eastern coastal waters. Search-and-rescue teams remain deployed near the Samae San channel as efforts continue.
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