Searching the Chumphon islands for the missing sailors from the HTMS Sukhothai
The Sukhothai sank in rough waves around 20 nautical miles off Prachuap Khiri Khan on Sunday night, leaving 23 sailors missing. Rescuers are currently searching islands and rocky outcrops off Chumphon for any evidence of the 23 sailors. The ship was capsized, and as it filled with water, the engine failed.
The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center are working together on search and rescue operations, according to the Navy.
Searching the Chumphon islands for the missing sailors from the HTMS Sukhothai
To find out why the ship sank, the First Naval Area Command redeployed its SeaFox underwater drone and divers.
Strong tides prevented us from approaching the battleship yesterday, according to Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, head of the First Naval Area Command.
On Monday, the Navy launched the search and rescue operation, sending six ships, two Dornier amphibious aircraft, two rescue helicopters, and an unmanned aerial vehicle to comb the region surrounding the warship’s crash site. By sending out a plane and a chopper, the Royal Thai Air Force also participated in the search operation.
The sailors are listed as follows by the Navy:
Petty Officer First Class Boonlert Thongthip
Petty Officer First Class Chuchai Cherdchid
Petty Officer Second Class Thawatchai Saphirat
Petty Officer Second Class Saharat Esa
Petty Officer Third Class Noppanat Khamwong
Petty Officer Third Class Sathaphon Somnuea
Petty Officer Third Class Sarawut Nadi
Petty Officer Third Class Supakij Thiwa
Acting Lieutenant Commander Phonrat Sirodom
Seaman Boonlakhon Worapong
Seaman Mae Abdul Asheed
Suthipong Hongthong, a seaman
Seaman Samlong Chamlong
Taweesak Saecheaw, a seaman
Jirawat, Seaman Thuphom
Seaman Preecha Raphael
Oithong Chalat, a Seaman
Seaman Chief Petty Officer First Class Kunakorn Jariyot
