TRAT: The seven crewmen of a fishing boat that capsized during a storm were rescued on Wednesday morning after nine hrs in the wave-tossed sea clinging to lifebuoys.
The Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Area 1 at Koh Kut received the call for help about 11. 30pm on Tuesday. The small Thai-owned fishing boat Chokmanasnan 1 had capsized in the storm off Koh Kut and its seven crew were within the sea, desperately holding on to a raft associated with lifebuoys and hoping for rescue.
A navy patrol boat, Tor 227, was dispatched through the pier in Khlong Yai district to search for the crew.
About 8am on Wenesday, the seven men : the Thai captain and six Cambodians – were plucked from the sea to safety. They were used ashore at Khlong Yai pier plus rushed to Khlong Yai Hospital designed for health checks.
All had been exhausted after nine terrifying hours right away, adrift in the thunderstorm tossed sea off this east coastline province.
Manop Luang-on, main of the Trat Ocean Office, said the warning had been released for fishing boats of less than 10 major tonnes to not head out to sea due to the stormy conditions. Larger boats could still go out, but were advised to stay tuned to weather reviews.
Little passenger boats plying between the islands and speed boats ought to stay ashore until at least Thursday, this individual said.
All the crew were preserved and safe. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewkraihong)