CHON BURI, Thailand – 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, four to five hours off the Chon Buri coast, after encountering severe weather conditions with strong winds and high waves.

Tugboat Sinks In Rough Seas Near Koh Thalu

Nearby fishing boats responded to its distress call and rescued 15 of the crew. There were two Thais and 20 Myanmar nationals on board, and 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, with initial information indicating 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, while Chon Buri MP Thanathorn Pramuanphong of Sattahip constituency was also monitoring the rescue operation.

Eight rescued, one missing after boat sinks off Songkhla

The vessel sank at 11°56.93′ north latitude and 100°50.30′ east longitude, about 40 nautical miles from Laem Pu Chao mountain, and maritime authorities are investigating.

-Thailand News (TN)