There is a particular kind of sea story we are always glad to share: the one where everybody comes home. A fishing boat went down in rough weather near the Similan Islands on Wednesday night, and thanks to another fishing crew working nearby, all eight men aboard were picked up and brought ashore unhurt.
The vessel, named Wor. Chok Mana 2, sank near Koh Kao, roughly 36 nautical miles from the entrance to the Thap Lamu channel. Five Thai nationals and three Myanmar nationals were aboard. The alarm reached the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 at 9:04pm, passed on by the Phang Nga port control centre.
Help came from the water itself. Another fishing vessel, Narongsak Chainawi 99, reached the crew and took all eight aboard, landing them safely at a fishing pier in the early hours of Thursday, at 1:35am. No injuries were reported. The captain later explained that waves had washed over the bow while the boat was trying to find shelter from the rough weather.
Officials have since interviewed the crew, barred any further use of the sunken boat, and ordered it salvaged so it does not become a hazard to navigation. Other fishing boats and tourist boat operators have been warned to take care passing the spot, and the owner has been told to file a formal report with Thai Mueang Police. For anyone heading out around the Similans this week, it is a plain reminder: conditions can turn quickly, and the boats around you are often the first rescue service there is.
Full story: The Phuket News — Crew rescued after fishing boat sinks near Similan Islands
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