A fishing boat carrying 22 crew members has sunk off the coast of Chon Buri, with three people confirmed dead, four missing and 15 rescued, marine authorities said.
The “S. Kanchanawari 888” reportedly sank about 10pm on Monday in the Samae San deep water channel, 4-5 hours off the Chon Buri coast, after encountering severe weather conditions with strong winds and high waves.
Nearby fishing boats responded to its distress call and rescued 15 of the crew. There were two Thais and 20 Myanmar nationals on board. The captain was reported to be among the dead.
The 15 survivors were being returned to shore at Chong Samae San in Sattahip district, Chon Buri.
Prasert Phitakkorn, mayor of Samae San and president of the Chong Samae San Fishing Association, said he heard of the tragedy about 5am on Tuesday. The Initial information indicated the boat had gone down several hours earlier.
The navy has sent the patrol boat “Tor 112”, an anti-submarine helicopter and navy divers to assist in the continuing search for the missing crew.
Chon Buri MP Thanathorn Pramuanphong of Sattahip constituency was also monitoring the rescue operation.
The vessel sank at 11°56.93′ north latitude and 100°50.30′ east longitude, about 40 nautical miles from Laem Pu Chao mountain. Maritime authorities are investigating.